“The Darling Dash had an amazing turnout,” Darling said. “I am thankful for everyone who came to support our cause, it would have meant a lot to my brother. With every 5k, we are able to raise more awareness about sickle cell and reduce preventable deaths. We’ve made a lot of progress, but or work is not over.”

In addition to the hundreds of Houston-area citizens who participated in the race, local celebrities and dozens of current and former NFL stars, including Tramon Williams (Greenbay Packers) and Jacquizz Rodgers (Atlanta Falcons), also attended the community event. Proceeds from Darling Dash will fund As One Foundation’s scholarship fund and Operation Hydration, a program that will be implemented in local school districts and is designed to prevent sports related deaths by encouraging hydration, especially in sickle cell trait carriers.

“My hope is that the money we raised, along with the lives that Devaughn touched, will educate the community, expand our influence and save lives,” Darling said.

Sickle cell, which can be fatal when paired with dehydration and physical rigor, is carried by both Darling twins and is estimated to affect 90,000 to 100,000 people in the U.S., according to the CDC.

ABOUT AS ONE FOUNDATION
The mission of As One Foundation is to educate and increase awareness of sickle cell trait while encouraging youth to achieve their dreams in the face of life’s challenges. On Feb. 26, 2001, Devaughn Darling lost his life due to sickle cell disease coupled with exhaustion during spring football practice at Florida State University. His identical twin brother, Devard Darling, persevered after the tragedy. He became an NFL star, but his most noteworthy accomplishment was founding As One Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to honoring Devaughn’s life while elevating awareness of sickle cell trait. For more information on As One Foundation visit, http://www.asonefoundation.org and @AsOneFoundation on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.