Merlene Smith-Sotillo of Jamaica Queens was born and raised in the beautiful Island of Trinidad and Tobago West Indies. She is the proud daughter of great parents, Adina and Harold Isaacs, upon completing high school, Merlene attended, Genes Secretarial School graduating with a degree in Clerical Studies, she immediately obtained a job at the Trinidad Hilton Hotel for fifteen years where she was a
warded for dedication to her work. Merlene got married and birth Two children her daughter Cathyann, and son Syd who was born with Sickle Cell Disease traumatized her, there wasn't as much extensive medical knowledge about SICKLE Cell Disease in Trinidad & Tobago. Merlene saw drastic need for education and information on sickle cell disease. Merlene and her family migrated to the United states of America in 1989. Merlene obtained employment with McDonald's Cooperation where she acquired such skills in Management, Leadership,& Team Work, but Merlene's ultimate Challenge was to obtain knowledge about sickle cell disease. This motivated her to perform community service at emergency department at Queens Hospital Center, given the opportunity to advance, Merlene attended several night classes at York College. In addition, Merlene attended various seminars about Sickle Cell Disease, enriched her knowledge about the illness and its debilitating effects on individuals, families and communities. As a parent with Two children living with this disease, Merlene saw the need to educate the public about the risk of inheriting Sickle Cell Disease, specifically its cause. effects and impact on families and bring awareness about sickle cell disease in the community. In 2007, Merlene with the assistance of her son Syd established Sickle Cell Awareness Foundation Inc 501(c)3 non for profit organization SCAF CORP INTL became incorporated 2011. With the support of her husband, friends and church members, Merlene has developed a coordinated educational campaign through Health Fairs, Blood Drives, Lunch and Learn at Hospitals to reach out to the community to inform about the risk of inheriting sickle cell disease. She is a member of several local community organizations, including the Cancer Action Council, NAACP, and an active delegate for 1199 labor union. Because of her consistence determination in the community, the organization has been awarded several Proclamations from many congressional leaders in the community. Merlene travelled to other states and realized that the Sickle Cell Treatment Act is very instrumental with assisting individuals and families with Sickle Cell Disease, which is not implemented in New York. Merlene is out front encouraging several politician to support a Sickle Cell Treatment Act for New York. She currently resides in New York with her loving husband, Molino and their three surviving children. In Collaboration with the Sickle Cell Trust, Inc Cordially invites you to attend the crowning of Miss Panama US 2014. The Honoring of Merlene Smith-Sotillo President of Sickle Cell Awareness Foundation Corp Intl. On Sunday November 17th 2013, 6pm -12 Am at the Rose Gardens 4224 Church Ave, Brooklyn between 42 & 43 Street N Y 11203. Admission $50.00 in advance Cocktail 6.00pm -7.00pm Followed by Award ceremony, Pageant, Dinner & Dance Entertainment: Folkoric Performance. For Tickets Call 718-657-3173 or 917-373-8434. For more Information or to Place Your Congratulatory ads in the Journal Call 917-913-3483. On Sunday November 17th 2013, 6pm -12Am at the Rose Gardens 4224 Church Ave, Brooklyn between 42 & 43 Street N Y 11203.
