“American Idol” winner and Grammy-nominated Ruben Studdard found it easy to connect with the crowd during his appearance at the 3rd Annual Sickle Cell 5 K Walk Event at the Overton Park Levett Shell last Saturday. (Photos by Warren Roseborough)

If Ruben Studdard were not already the national spokesperson for the “Be Sickle Smart Campaign,” he easily could have been nominated for the role based upon his performance in Memphis last Saturday.

“It is really important to me to be here and really put a stamp behind the message we are trying to get out there to the people.” Studdard told me during an interview backstage at the Overton Park Levitt Shell.

When a star such as Ruben Studdard is within camera range, you take the shot.

Studdard chills with walk sponsors, staff members, volunteers and some living with the sickle cell disease.

Studdard – still riding the crest of “American Idol” winner fame – was front and center during the 3rd Annual Sickle Cell 5 K Walk event, which stretched from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rain clouds and disappointing weather forecasts had eyes checking the sky, but never dampened Studdard’s determination to support sickle cell fighters, perform, sign autographs, take pictures and enjoy the people, many from rural areas and some from as far away as Knoxville, Little Rock, Pine Bluff, parts of Northern Mississippi, and Nashville.

The event raised awareness of the sickle cell disease and iron overload caused by multiple transfusions. Screenings were part of the day’s agenda.

Studdard is no stranger to the very important fight for a cure.

“When I was younger, my mom worked very closely with the local sickle cell foundation back home in Birmingham, AL.  I grew up watching her doing walks and events like this one,” said Studdard. “I never really understood what my mom was doing or the effects of sickle cell….It really pulls on my heart strings to be able to listen to some of the kids stories about the pain and discomfort they feel.”

Taking the time to “really listen to the people” gives Studdard an opportunity to practice a learned lesson. “I have learned the most important thing is the impression you leave on people and the way you impact their lives positively.”  

Studdard rose to fame after winning the second season of “American Idol” and becoming everyone’s velvet teddy bear. On Saturday, the Grammy nominated and Image Award winner performed “I am a fighter,” a song he wrote for the sickle cell campaign. It’s based on his encounters with sickle cell fighters.

“Anything that you have to endure and go through is not going to be easy,” he said. “It is always a fight and the one thing that most of us fight for is our quality of life.”

Sickle cell anemia is the most widespread inherited blood disorder in the United States, touching 70,000 to 80,000 Americans. The disease occurs in just about 1 in 500 African-American newborns and 1 in 1,000 to 1,400 Hispanic-American births. About 1 in 12 African Americans, carry the sickle cell trait, many unknowingly.

The 3rd Annual-Sickle Cell 5 K Walk was sponsored by the Sickle Cell Foundation of Tennessee (formally known as the Diggs Kraus Sickle Cell and Social Services Foundation), Alpha Memphis Education Foundation, Lifeblood of Memphis, Novartis Pharmaceutical Corporation, AARP, Southwest Community College, Southland Park Gaming & Racing, Cummings, Inc. and WREG Channel 3.

This year’s awareness event was powered the support of great staff members, lovely volunteers, the community and cool entertainment. The Orange Mound Energizers warmed up the crowd with snazzy dance moves. And Kevin Davidson and the Voices delivered a stirring rendition of “Fight On.”

(To learn more about the sickle cell disease or to donate, visit www.sicklecelltn.org)

(E-Mail “All Over Town” Nyah Nile for questions or comments, or if you just want her at your next Big Event at nyah@tri-statedefender.com)