Mr. Speaker, sickle-cell anemia is the most prevalent genetic disease in the world, yet not many people know much about it. Today, I want to bring this disease to the attention of this House and tell members that one in 10 black individuals carries the gene and that 10,000 children in Canada reportedly suffer from sickle-cell anemia. I also want to applaud the work done by the Association d'anémie falciforme du Québec and its dedicated president, Wilson Sanon, and express my support for the people who have to live with the severe pain, frequent blood transfusions, restricted activity and constant fatigue.
Lastly, I want to congratulate Dr. Martin Champagne, whose was recognized with the Yvette Bonny award, named for that pioneer in treating this form of anemia, and Mélissa Maurice-Carrénard, a rare survivor who has also received a liver transplant. On the occasion of the association's third gala on March 21, this young woman gave us a wonderful, passionate lesson in living.
We thank all those who are making a difference for the people with this disease and their family members.