Sickle Cell Disease Is Not A Joke

Sickle Cell Disease is a hereditary blood disorder characterized by chronic pain, organ damage and a shortened life span. It is a very debilitating and deadly ailment. Sickle Cell affects many people including those of African, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, Asian, Indian, and Mediterranean decent.

The new movie "Ted 2" produced by Universal Studios makes a biased and derogatory "joke" about the disease and those it affects. The statement spreads false information and feeds into the negative stereotypes surrounding the illness. As individuals living with Sickle Cell, we find this offensive and seek to have the scene and/or line immediately and permanently suppressed or changed. We deserve more respect for our daily plight. Sickle Cell Disease is not a "joke."

In the current racially-charged environment, we implore Universal Studios to avoid disseminating the inaccurate belief that Sickle Cell is only a black disease and instead use this platform to promote awareness and encourage dialogue about a serious disease affecting over 100,000 Americans and millions of people worldwide.

Please sign the petition to demand the removal of this "joke" from Ted 2 and let Universal Studios along with writers Seth MacFarlane, Alec Sulkin, and Wellesley Wild know this is not acceptable.