R&B icon Ruben Studdard learnt about sickle cell disease at a young age, and is now working to raise funds for research to defeat the condition.
In his youth, Studdard spent many days with his mother and his choirmates at Birmingham, Alabama’s Rising Star Baptist Church at sickle cell awareness and screening events. The Season 2 American Idol winner, whose fourth album ‘Love IS’ was released earlier this year, is now lending his voice to those efforts as the official spokesman of ‘Be Sickle Smart.’
Be Sickle Smart (BSS) is a nationwide grassroots health-education program aimed at increasing awareness of iron overload among people living with sickle cell disease. BSS selected Ruben Studdard’s original “I’m A Fighter,” produced by John Jackson, as the official campaign theme song.
“I’m A Fighter” is inspired by ‘Be Sickle Smart’; Ruben co-wrote it from the perspective of a person infected with sickle cell disease. The soulful song is powerful and poignant and offers this empowering message: “I might get knocked down / but don’t count me out / I’m in a title bout / and it’s the fight of my life…. / I Will Win.”
The song is streaming at BeSickleSmart.com. Studdard has upcoming performances in six cities called “Empowerment Days” where there will be an iron overload education presentation and free iron overload screenings.
Later this month, Ruben will follow up his hit single “Together” with “Don’t Make ’Em Like U No More,” a new track from ‘Love IS.’ Fans can keep up with Ruben at his brand new site RubenStuddard.com, which is updated regularly with official news, tour dates, audio/video, discography, and more. Click here to find out more.
Ruben Studdard Be Sickle Smart Promotional Tour:
9/19 Memphis, TN*
10/1 Orlando, FL (National SCDAA Gala)*
10/10 Jackson, MS*
10/22 Baton Rouge, LA*
10/24 Raleigh/Durham, NC*
Nov. TBD Austin, TX*
*Visit www.besicklesmart.com for more information about the events and for details on the locations
