“Wiggin Out for Sickle Cell Fundraiser at the Dirty Goose” Next Thursday

913 U Street, NW

From a press release:

“It’s time to dust off the wigs and turn out for a good cause. Thursday, July 13th from 5 to 8 pm, Sick Cells and The Dirty Goose will be hosting a fundraiser and awareness event for sickle cell disease (SCD). The event, taking place at 913 U Street NW, will include a fashion show by fashion designer, wig enthusiast, and an adult living with SCD, Tristan Lee. There will appearances by DC Drag Queen, Miss Labella Mafia, and local chef and foodie Renny Vonne. The event will also include have a raffle (see some of the prizes below).

Tristan is a model, actor, poet, and fashion designer. He was diagnosed with SCD at six months old and suffered a stroke when he was 9. He made an 80% recovery but used the stroke as an inspiration to start acting. In his words, “if people were going to look at me, I might as well give them something to look at.”

Tristan’s fashion line, Divo Star, is designed to raise awareness about SCD. During the event, Tristan will present 10 gender neutral looks from his collection. His pieces include summer denim rompers and overalls worn by men and women. We’ll also have a Q&A session, lead by Morenike Ayo-Vonne, to Tristan about his life with SCD.

Wiggin Out For Sickle Cell has worked with DC establishments for raffle prizes. We listed some of our favorite prizes below:

• Spy Museum tickets
• Nellie’s shirts, hats, and other swag
• 4 tasting at Paradise Winery
• Cantina Marina – $25 gift card
• The Wet Dog – $25 gift card
• The Pub and the People – $50 gift card

Sick Cells is a nonprofit that breaks social stigmas and stereotypes associated with SCD by elevating the voices of the community and sharing real life stories from this misunderstood population. In highlighting the grave disparities this community faces, Sick Cells aims to change public perception of SCD, influence decision makers, and empower the sickle cell community. Sick Cells is based in the Chicagoland area; however, it’s President and Co-Founder, Ashley Valentine, lives in the District. For more information on Sick Cells: www.sickcells.com”