“I walked an entire mile—a feat not done in 18 months. But I was walking for a cause, for a cure, for a promise my late wife Pamela asked for on her dying bed: ‘Enoch, don’t let people forget about sickle cell.’ I walked wondering if I would be okay. I didn’t have my heart doctor’s medicine and my legs were giving up at a half mile. But then I realized how sickle cell victims live every day with pain and feeling like no one’s doing anything to prevent it.”
This statement was made by Rev. Enoch Fuzz, pastor of the Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church, after he had completed the sickle cell walk with his daughter, Bethani Fuzz Taylor and many others on Saturday, September 18th at the 5k walk/run for sickle cell. The event was held at Edwin Warner Park, sponsored by Breaking the Sickle Cell Cycle (BTSCC) Foundation Inc.
With a charge to keep, Rev. Fuzz remains dedicated to his promise to the late Pamela Fuzz by taking time each year to acknowledge sickle cell disease. People affected by sickle cell are in pain every day.
Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic blood disorder. It mostly effects African Americans, although others can be stricken with it too. Normal red blood cells are round and flexible and can move easily through blood vessels. But with this disorder, red blood cells are caused to ‘sickle’ or become banana shaped when they are stressed. This can make it difficult for them to flow through blood vessels. Instead, they stick to the blood vessels. This can slow or stop blood flow, which causes pain, and damage to organs and tissues. It sometimes leads to a stroke.
During the month of September, Sickle Cell disease is recognized. September 26 also marks the day that Rev. Enoch Fuzz was born. Just as life continues with its year-round ups and downs, so does the trauma of sickle cell. Remember people living with sickle cell every day by finding out more about the effects and how you can help. Contact BTSCC on their website at btsscycle.org
There have been 18 months of uncertainty and difficulties, so it is surely a pleasure to say ‘happy’ to a birthday that felt like it may not happen. Last year, Rev. Fuzz celebrated his birthday nearer to the beginning of his journey with stage four lung cancer after being told he would live for 15 more months. He will celebrate his 66th birthday with family and friends at Elliston Place Soda Shop on Saturday, September 25th from 2-4 pm. In spite of his health issues, knowing that Fuzz’s journey continues makes it a joy to say: “Happy birthday to the best pastor and friend in the whole wide world.”
Rev. Fuzz honors his promises to his late wife, to his church and community and mainly to God. This may be best described in the hymn ‘A Charge to Keep I Have.’ A few of the lyrics state: “A charge to keep I have; A God to glorify; My calling to fulfill to do my Master’s will!”
Continue to pray for Rev. Fuzz. He continues to pray for the world. Visit his Facebook site where you will find him sharing his concerns, praise in pictures, testimony and song. As we continue to follow God’s guide, keep following his weekly journey, ‘Cancer: My Journey in Time.’ Thanks for continuing to read and share this journey. May it be a blessing in your life.
