Wildlife and nature

Animal shelters and rescues

Theater and dance

Rivers, parks and trails

Hunger and food

Schools and learning

Housing and homelessness

Community health

Mental health

Mentoring and foster care

Legal help and rights

Jobs and money help

Atlanta

The Triangle

Everywhere

The Collective Workshop

Royal Animal Refuge

Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta

Georgia Advancing Communities Together

Atlanta Writers Club

Cobb Collaborative

Bosleys Place

Jewish Fertility Foundation

For about a decade, the MTS Sickle Cell Foundation has been dedicated to empowering, educating, and supporting individuals living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) . Our mission is simple: to make a lasting impact by providing the resources, advocacy, and direct support needed to improve the lives of warriors and their families.
From financial assistance and educational programs to community engagement and policy advocacy , we are committed to ensuring that no warrior fights alone.

11th Annual Sickle Cell Awareness & Support Holiday Breakfast

Sickle Strong Blood Drive

Line Dance for Sickle Cell

Invisible Pain

Give

Mapillar Dahn-Flemister

Larry J. Stephens

Williamena Dahn

Qiana L. Cressman

Terry R. Cressman

Ebony Rice

Sheree Hopkins

Dr. Clark Brown

Rep. Sandra Scott

Tammy Ringo

Atty. Omari Crawford

Rep. El-Mahdi Holly

Alma S. Adams

Charlaye Dennis

Coretta Johnson

Dr. Keisha Renee Callins

LaDonna Jackson

What an incredible two days in Destin, Florida! ❤️ Grateful to return for my second year as a speaker at Sickle Cell Disease: Impacting Policy and Procedure, alongside passionate advocates, healthcare professionals, lawmakers, and policy leaders. This year was especially meaningful as I had the opportunity to share our journey from a New Year's Eve idea in 2022 to the passage of Georgia's Sickle Cell Disease Protection Act in 2026. A heartfelt thank you to the organizers for creating a space where education meets advocacy and conversations inspire action. And a special shoutout to Natalie Pritchard of Dazie's Treasures for keeping me stylish and conference-ready! 💙 Thank you for helping me look and feel my best throughout this engagement! The work continues, and so does our commitment to meaningful change for the sickle cell community! ❤️ #SickleCellAdvocacy

✈️ Destin, Florida, here I come! Heading out for my second year as a speaker at Sickle Cell Disease: Impacting Policy and Procedure! ❤️ This year is especially meaningful because I get to share a legislative journey that went from an idea to an actual law! Looking forward to reconnecting, learning, and sharing our story. And can we talk about this blue duster? 💙 I've received so many compliments already! A special thank you to Natalie Pritchard of Dazie's Treasures for keeping me stylish and conference-ready! I'm loving this look! 🥰 #SickleCellAdvocacy

❤️ 11 YEARS! What a journey. What a blessing. What a community! The MTS Sickle Cell Foundation celebrates 11 years of service, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to individuals and families impacted by sickle cell disease. What began with a mother's love and a determination to make a difference has grown into something far greater than I could have imagined. And none of it would have been possible without YOU. To every family who has trusted us, every donor who has given, every sponsor and partner who has believed in our work, every volunteer who has generously shared their time, and every friend who has encouraged us along the way — THANK YOU! You've helped us turn compassion into action. You've made it possible to support families during difficult moments, create opportunities for our young warriors, amplify voices too often unheard, and advocate for meaningful change. Behind every program, every milestone, and every life we've touched are people who chose to care. We don't take that for granted. Eleven years later, the need remains great, and there is still so much work to be done. But today, we celebrate the journey, the relationships we've built, and the incredible community that continues to stand with us. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in our mission and helping us carry it forward. Here's to 11 years of purpose, perseverance, and impact — and to all that we will accomplish together in the years ahead! ❤️ Stronger Together. Always. #MTSSickleCellFoundation #11YearsStrong #StrongerTogether #SickleCellAwareness

🩸 A step forward in the future of blood transfusions. Safi Biotherapeutics has announced a $4.7 million funding extension to advance its manufactured, stem-cell-derived human red blood cells toward a first clinical trial planned for 2027. For our sickle cell community, research like this is worth watching. We know how much families depend on access to blood, and why progress in transfusion medicine matters. The initial clinical focus is acute blood loss, rather than sickle cell disease. These cells remain investigational, with clinical studies still needed to evaluate their safety and effectiveness. We’re encouraged by this investment and look forward to following the science. In the meantime, blood donors remain essential. ❤️ #SickleCellAwareness #BloodTransfusion #RedBloodCells #ResearchMatters

When families share what needs to change, we need leaders who listen—and stay committed to helping us move that change forward. Representative Omari Crawford has been that kind of partner to the MTS Sickle Cell Foundation. ❤️ We are proud to honor Representative Omari Crawford with the Sickle Cell Champion Award at our 11th Annual Sickle Cell Awareness & Support Holiday Breakfast! Representative Crawford took our community’s concerns to heart and helped carry them into Georgia’s legislative process. His leadership on HB 334 reflects the importance of having someone at the Capitol willing to advocate alongside families living with sickle cell disease. For us, this recognition is personal. We know the conversations, persistence, and partnership it takes to turn a family’s lived experience into a call for change. Representative Crawford has been part of that journey with MTS, and we are grateful for his commitment to seeing it through. Representative Crawford, thank you for listening to our families, standing with our foundation, and using your platform to advance the needs of the sickle cell community. We look forward to celebrating you! ✨ Join us in congratulating Representative Omari Crawford, our Sickle Cell Champion! 👏🏾 ************** Event Details 🚫 REGISTRATION CLOSED 📅 Saturday, December 19, 2026 🕙 10:00 AM–2:00 PM 📍 Flint River Community Center 153 Flint River Road, Riverdale, GA 30274 #SupportSickleCell #SickleCellAwareness #HolidayBreakfast2026 #SickleCellChampion

Some stories deserve to be heard. Others have the power to change how we see, understand, and respond to the experiences of those around us. ❤️ For more than ten years, I've had the privilege of knowing Jasmine Garland and her family. I've watched her show up for her children, support other caregivers, and lend her voice whenever I've called upon her to advocate for the sickle cell community. But sitting down with Jasmine for this interview gave me an even deeper appreciation for the woman, mother, and advocate she has become. As part of my collaboration with the Georgia Sickle Cell Data Collection (SCDC) Program, I had the honor of documenting Jasmine's experience learning of her son Sebastian's sickle cell diagnosis and the journey that followed. What unfolded was so much more than a diagnosis story. We talked about lessons learned, the importance of community, the challenges caregivers quietly navigate, and how this journey can reshape our understanding of strength, success, and even ourselves. One message from Jasmine stayed with me: “Diagnosis is not a definition.” I'm incredibly proud to share this photoblog, which brings Jasmine's story to life while reminding us that behind every data point is a person, a family, and an experience worth understanding. My hope is that it reaches a newly diagnosed parent searching for reassurance, a healthcare professional seeking greater understanding, or a policymaker whose decisions can improve the lives of sickle cell families. I invite you to read Jasmine's story, but more importantly, please SHARE it. With a caregiver, a clinician, a community organization, or anyone who has the ability to influence change. You never know whose perspective it may shift or who may need to hear her words. To Jasmine, thank you for trusting us with your family's story. And to the Georgia SCDC team, thank you for recognizing the importance of bringing lived experiences alongside the data. Let's help this story travel far beyond the pages of this photoblog. ❤️ 📖 Read and share: https://mythreesicklers.org/caregiver-voices-stories-behind-the-data/ #SickleCellAwareness #CaregiverVoices #GeorgiaSCDC #DiagnosisIsNotADefinition

Our friends at Genetix Biotherapeutics, we appreciate you! ❤️ Thank you for your continued support of our families and for joining our 11th Annual Sickle Cell Awareness & Support Holiday Breakfast as a Community Support Partner. There is so much life beyond the appointments and hospital stays, and our families deserve spaces to enjoy it together. This breakfast is one of those spaces—a place to feel understood, find encouragement, and make beautiful holiday memories. We’re grateful to have you be part of it. See you December 19! 🎄❤️ ************** Event Details 🚫 REGISTRATION CLOSED 📅 Saturday, December 19, 2026 🕙 10:00 AM–2:00 PM 📍 Flint River Community Center 153 Flint River Road, Riverdale, GA 30274 #SupportSickleCell #SickleCellAwareness #HolidayBreakfast

🎤 She’s back! We’re thrilled to welcome Maria More as our host for the third year at our 11th Annual Sickle Cell Awareness & Support Holiday Breakfast! ❤️ Maria has become a special part of this MTS tradition, bringing warmth, uplifting energy, and a gift for making people feel connected. We’re grateful to have her joining our families once again! With more than 20 years in radio, Maria knows how to connect with an audience. Today, she brings that same passion to her work as a fitness professional, wellness coach, and host of the Mind, Body & Business podcast, helping women build confidence and feel strong, supported, and empowered. We can’t wait to celebrate with her and our community this December. Help us show Maria some love! 🎄✨ 📅 Saturday, December 19, 2026 🕙 10:00 AM–2:00 PM 📍 Flint River Community Center | Riverdale, GA We’re SOLD OUT, but you can still help make the day special. Support this celebration for families impacted by sickle cell disease by becoming a sponsor or making a donation: https://mythreesicklers.org/holiday-breakfast/ #SickleCellAwareness #SupportSickleCell #StrongerTogether

As we prepare for our 11th Annual Sickle Cell Awareness & Support Holiday Breakfast, we want to recognize our friends at We Work for Health Georgia and PhRMA for their continued support! ❤️ We know what it takes for some of our families just to get into the room—the planning around treatments, the fatigue, and the uncertainty of how a loved one will feel that morning. That makes the time we spend together even more meaningful. Having partners who help us keep this gathering free for our families means so much. We Work for Health Georgia and PhRMA, thank you for helping us continue a tradition rooted in education, support, and community. We are grateful for you! ************** Event Details 🚫 REGISTRATION CLOSED 📅 Saturday, December 19, 2026 🕙 10:00 AM–2:00 PM 📍 Flint River Community Center 153 Flint River Road, Riverdale, GA 30274 #SupportSickleCell #SickleCellAwareness #HolidayBreakfast

✨ We’ve been looking forward to sharing this news! ❤️ Please join us in welcoming Akilah Murib Coleman as our keynote speaker for the 11th Annual Sickle Cell Awareness & Support Holiday Breakfast, joined by her husband, former NFL running back Tevin Coleman, and their family! For the Colemans, advocacy begins at home. As parents of twins Nazaneen, who lives with sickle cell disease, and Nezerah, who has autism, they understand the love, persistence, and support it takes to help children with complex needs thrive. Together, they use their voices to raise awareness, challenge misconceptions, and advocate for equitable access to care. Their shared belief is one we hold close at MTS: no family should navigate a diagnosis without information, resources, and support. Akilah brings the perspective of a mother, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and advocate committed to protecting the dignity and joy of childhood. We’re honored to hear from her and welcome the Coleman family for a day of education, connection, and holiday celebration! 🎄 📅 Saturday, December 19, 2026 🕙 10:00 AM–2:00 PM 📍 Flint River Community Center | Riverdale, GA Our event is SOLD OUT, but you can still be part of the impact. Help make this celebration special for families affected by sickle cell disease by becoming a sponsor or making a donation: https://mythreesicklers.org/holiday-breakfast/ #SickleCellAwareness #SupportSickleCell #StrongerTogether

Today’s “PDUFA: How Medicines Reach People” Lunch & Learn was an incredibly educational afternoon of conversation and connection! Together with our partners at We Work for Health Georgia, Georgia Life Sciences, Advocates for Responsible Care, and Georgia First, we explored how scientific discoveries become treatment options and what it takes to support that progress for people living with serious illnesses. The discussion brought together perspectives from life sciences, clinical research, and patient advocacy. We examined how the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) supports the FDA’s ability to conduct timely, thorough reviews, along with opportunities to improve communication, reduce avoidable delays, and strengthen transparency and accountability. For the MTS Sickle Cell Foundation, it was an opportunity to bring the experiences of the sickle cell community into a broader conversation that affects so many families. Patients and caregivers have valuable insight into what meaningful treatment progress looks like, and those who participate in clinical trials make an important contribution to the options available to future patients. A shared message throughout the afternoon was the importance of bipartisan action to reauthorize PDUFA early, providing stability for the review process and the people counting on continued medical progress. Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed their perspectives. We left with a deeper understanding of the process and an appreciation for the work we can do together to keep patients’ needs at the center. ❤️ SickleCell PatientAdvocacy ClinicalResearch PDUFAVIII

A heartfelt thank-you to our friends at Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies for their continued support of our Annual Sickle Cell Awareness & Support Holiday Breakfast! ❤️ We are grateful to have Terumo BCT join us as a Community Support Partner for this year’s celebration. Their support helps us bring individuals and families impacted by sickle cell disease together for education, meaningful connection, and holiday joy. It means so much to have partners who show up, connect with our families, and support the work we pour our hearts into. To our friends at Terumo BCT, thank you for being part of this community and helping us carry this special tradition forward. We look forward to celebrating together on December 19! 🎄❤️ ************** Event Details 🚫 REGISTRATION CLOSED 📅 Saturday, December 19, 2026 🕙 10:00 AM–2:00 PM 📍 Flint River Community Center 153 Flint River Road, Riverdale, GA 30274 #SupportSickleCell #SickleCellAwareness #HolidayBreakfast

Some people’s impact is felt in the programs they build, the families they support, and the doors they help open. Jeanette Nu’Man is one of those people. ❤️ We are proud to announce that Jeanette Nu’Man will receive the Sickle Cell Champion Award at our 11th Annual Sickle Cell Awareness & Support Holiday Breakfast! As Director of Operations of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Jeanette helps strengthen the support available to individuals and families living with sickle cell disease. Her work spans access to care, community health worker programs, provider training, and services that help young people transition into adult care. With more than 40 years of experience in human services and community leadership, she brings knowledge, dedication, and purpose to this work. Her leadership has also helped sustain Camp New Hope, now Camp New Light, where children with sickle cell disease can find friendship, belonging, and the joy of simply being children. At MTS, we know how much it matters to have committed people doing this work alongside us. Jeanette, thank you for your partnership and your continued service to our community. We look forward to presenting you with this well-deserved recognition! ✨ Please join us in congratulating our Sickle Cell Champion, Jeanette Nu’Man! 👏🏾 ************** Event Details 🚫 REGISTRATION CLOSED 📅 Saturday, December 19, 2026 🕙 10:00 AM–2:00 PM 📍 Flint River Community Center 153 Flint River Road, Riverdale, GA 30274 #SupportSickleCell #SickleCellAwareness #HolidayBreakfast2026 #SickleCellChampion

This Respiratory Care Week, I’m proud to celebrate my cousin, Wensia Gonyon Jeune, who has dedicated 24 years to respiratory care! ❤️🫁 As a mother of three daughters living with sickle cell disease, I have a deep appreciation for this profession. When someone you love is struggling to breathe, the people who help care for them hold a special place in your heart. Sickle cell disease can cause serious lung complications, including acute chest syndrome. Respiratory professionals are an important part of the care team, helping assess breathing, provide oxygen and breathing support when needed, and guide patients through exercises that support lung expansion. For our families, their work reaches far beyond equipment and treatments. It touches some of our most vulnerable moments. Wensia, I’m so proud of you and your commitment to caring for others. Twenty-four years of dedication deserves to be celebrated! To you and respiratory professionals everywhere: thank you for the skill, patience, and compassion you bring to the bedside. Happy Respiratory Care Week! ❤️ #RespiratoryCareWeek #RCWeek26 #SickleCellAwareness #RespiratoryCare

As a mother of three daughters living with sickle cell disease, I know how much can stand between a family and the care they need. Who will help coordinate the appointments? How will we get there? Can we afford to miss work? Where will we stay if treatment takes us far from home? Who can we call when we have done everything asked of us and still cannot move forward? These are questions families carry every day. They deserve answers and practical support. Through MTS Sickle Cell Foundation, I bring those realities into every conversation about access. When we celebrate a new treatment, a coverage decision, or a policy change, we must also follow through on what it takes for families to benefit. I want progress to reach our homes, our hospital rooms, and our everyday lives. That is the work I will keep showing up for. ❤️ #SickleCell #AccessToCare #HealthEquity #PatientAdvocacy #MTSSickleCellFoundation

Every year, our Holiday Breakfast gives families a chance to reconnect, welcome new faces, learn together, and enjoy a celebration created with them in mind. Those moments mean so much to us. ❤️ Our friends at Agios Pharmaceuticals are helping make this year’s gathering possible as a Gold Sponsor, and we are thankful for their continued support. Agios, thank you for investing in our community and the tradition our families look forward to each December. We can’t wait to fill the room with familiar faces, new friendships, and holiday joy on December 19! 🎄 ************** Event Details 🚫 REGISTRATION CLOSED 📅 Saturday, December 19, 2026 🕙 10:00 AM–2:00 PM 📍 Flint River Community Center 153 Flint River Road, Riverdale, GA 30274 #SupportSickleCell #SickleCellAwareness #HolidayBreakfast

What a difference a year can make! ❤️ I'm excited and honored to be returning to Destin, Florida, for my second year as a speaker at Sickle Cell Disease: Impacting Policy and Procedure! When I spoke at last year's conference, I shared portions of my advocacy journey, including our efforts to advance sickle cell legislation in Georgia. At the time, that legislation was still a work in progress. This year, I'm returning with a very different story to tell. WE GOT THE BILL PASSED! 🙌🏾 What began as a simple idea on New Year's Eve in 2022 became Georgia's Sickle Cell Disease Protection Act in 2026! I'm looking forward to sharing that journey—from researching and proposing legislation to building relationships across party lines, navigating setbacks, and ultimately seeing HB 334 signed into law. More importantly, I hope our experience encourages other patients, caregivers, and advocates to recognize the power of their own voices. You don't have to be a lawmaker or policy expert to help bring about meaningful change. I'm grateful to the conference organizers for inviting me back and creating space for conversations that move us beyond awareness and toward action. And while we're celebrating this legislative victory, our work is far from over. The next chapter will be understanding what this law means for the people it was intended to serve. 📍 Destin, Florida | November 6–7, 2026 Visit www.sicklecellfoundation.org for more information. I look forward to reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting others who are committed to moving sickle cell advocacy forward! ❤️ #SickleCellAdvocacy #SickleCellDisease #PolicyChange #SickleCellConference

This is news worth celebrating! ❤️ HHS has announced seven Regional Coordinating Hubs through HRSA’s new Sickle Cell Disease Regional Care Excellence (SoRCE) Program, expanding its regional network from five to seven regions to help bring quality care and community services closer to people living with sickle cell disease. As a mother of three daughters living with sickle cell disease and founder of MTS Sickle Cell Foundation, I know how much it matters to have care you can reach, providers who understand this disease, and support that extends beyond the hospital walls. What especially encourages me is the role of community-based organizations in this effort. Each hub will partner with at least three clinical-community teams, connecting clinical centers with organizations that know and serve our families. We see the transportation challenges, the missed work, and the exhaustion of trying to coordinate care while managing a complex disease. Strengthening the connection between medical care and community support is something our families deeply need. I’m hopeful about what this investment can mean for our community and look forward to seeing it translate into meaningful support for people living with sickle cell disease. Our families deserve this progress. ❤️ Read the announcement: https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/hhs-expands-sickle-cell-care-seven-regional-hubs.html #SickleCell #SickleCellAwareness #AccessToCare

Before I founded the MTS Sickle Cell Foundation, I was a mother trying to navigate sickle cell disease for my three daughters. I am still that mother. I know what it means to plan life around transfusions, appointments, and hospital stays. I have watched my girls navigate serious complications while trying to go to school, pursue their goals, and enjoy their lives. So when I hear about research that could make treatment easier to receive, I think about the difference that could make for families like ours. An appointment can take much more than the time spent with a provider. There is the drive, the waiting, the time away from work or school, and everything that has to be rearranged to make care possible. A treatment option that safely reduces that burden could mean so much. CMS is considering changes to how certain fixed-dose combination medicines are treated under Medicare drug price negotiation. My ask is that the agency carefully consider what those changes could mean for research into treatment options that make care easier for patients and families. Affordability matters deeply to our community. So does continued progress. Administrator Oz and CMS, please listen to the families living this every day. We need affordable treatments and continued investment in options that could give our loved ones more time to live the lives they are working so hard to build. #SickleCell #PatientVoices #CaregiverVoices #HealthPolicy #MTSSickleCellFoundation

What a beautiful day of community, connection, and giving! ❤️🩸 Seeing so many donors come out for the Sickle Strong Blood Drive to support people living with sickle cell disease has meant so much. As a mother of three daughters living with SCD, I know how deeply that generosity touches families like mine. We also had the opportunity to tour LifeSouth and have meaningful conversations about strengthening our partnership, expanding education around the need for donor diversity, and finding more ways to support our sickle cell community. Between the music, food, family activities, and wonderful people, we had so much fun! Thank you to LifeSouth, Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, our fellow community partners, and every donor and supporter who showed up with love. Every person who gives, learns, or helps spread awareness has a part in this work. This is what community looks like. ❤️ #SickleStrong #SickleCellAwareness #DonateBlood #DonorDiversity #MTSSickleCellFoundation

🎉 WE ARE OFFICIALLY SOLD OUT! 🎉 The 11th Annual Sickle Cell Awareness & Support Holiday Breakfast has reached capacity — more than two months before we gather on December 19! We are incredibly grateful to every family, caregiver, community member, partner, and supporter who has registered to join us for this special day of education, connection, celebration, and holiday joy. Year after year, this event reminds us just how powerful it is when the sickle cell community comes together — and this year is shaping up to be one of our most memorable yet. And we still have a BIG announcement to make. 👀 Next week, we’ll officially introduce the family joining us for a very special keynote address — and trust us, you won’t want to miss this announcement. To everyone who secured a seat: we can’t wait to celebrate with you on December 19! ❤️ Thank you for continuing to believe in the mission and in the power of community. #SickleCell #SickleCellAwareness #SickleCellCommunity #HolidayBreakfast #SickleCellStrong

💜 She shows up for us. Now let’s show up for LaDonna! Our forever Educational Luncheon host, warrior mom, and dear supporter LaDonna Jackson is in the running for Top Host, and we want our MTS family to help her get there! If you’ve experienced LaDonna’s warmth and energy at our luncheon, you already know how special she is. Through Conversations with LaDonna, her red carpet interviews, and her work with sickle cell organizations, she helps others feel seen, heard, and celebrated. Now she has a chance to win $25,000, a six-episode podcast produced by iHeartRadio, and a guest appearance on On Air with Ryan Seacrest! 🎙️✨ Will you help us cheer her on with your vote? We have just 8 hours to help her move forward! Let’s help open this door for someone who means so much to our community: 💜 Vote FREE: https://tophost.org/2026/ladonna-jackson 💜 Share this post and invite your friends to vote! LaDonna, we are grateful for the love you pour into our community, and we’re cheering you on! Let’s get our forever host one step closer to Top Host! 🙌🏾 #VoteForLaDonna #TopHost #MTSSickleCellFoundation #SickleCellCommunity #WarriorMom

An evening of bowling, connection, and community! 🎳❤️ Yesterday evening, MTS Sickle Cell Foundation was honored to join Uplifting Athletes at Stars and Stripes in Buford for a special outing bringing together families impacted by rare diseases and athletes, including Atlanta Falcons player JD Bertrand. For families navigating the demands of sickle cell and other rare diseases, opportunities to relax, have fun, and connect with others mean so much. There is something special about being in a space where families can build friendships and simply enjoy time together. Thank you to Uplifting Athletes, JD Bertrand, and all the athletes and organizers who shared their evening with our families. We’re grateful for the invitation and for the care you put into making our community feel welcomed and celebrated! ❤️ #MTSSickleCellFoundation #UpliftingAthletes #RareDiseaseCommunity #SickleCellAwareness #StrongerTogether An evening of bowling, connection, and community! 🎳❤️ Yesterday evening, MTS Sickle Cell Foundation was honored to join Uplifting Athletes at Stars and Stripes in Buford for a special outing bringing together families impacted by rare diseases and athletes, including Atlanta Falcons player JD Bertrand. For families navigating the demands of sickle cell and other rare diseases, opportunities to relax, have fun, and connect with others mean so much. There is something special about being in a space where families can build friendships and simply enjoy time together. Thank you to Uplifting Athletes, JD Bertrand, and all the athletes and organizers who shared their evening with our families. We’re grateful for the invitation and for the care you put into making our community feel welcomed and celebrated! ❤️ #MTSSickleCellFoundation #UpliftingAthletes #RareDiseaseCommunity #SickleCellAwareness #StrongerTogether

“What would make today a little easier?” ❤️ Supporting someone living with sickle cell can start with listening, believing them, and following through. Offer to bring dinner. Help with an errand. Check in after they come home from the hospital. Keep inviting them, even when they’ve had to cancel before. Ask what feels helpful, respect their choices, and make room for conversations about their interests, dreams, and everyday joys, too. Consistent care can remind someone they don’t have to navigate this journey alone. 📌 Save and share these simple ways to show up for a sickle cell warrior. ❤️ Help us support individuals and families living with sickle cell disease. Donate to our Sickle Support Fund today. https://givebutter.com/sickle-support-fund #SickleCellAwareness #SupportSickleCell #MTSSickleCellFoundation #SickleSupportFund

“But you look fine.” “You’re canceling again?” “You just want pain medicine.” Words like these can leave someone living with sickle cell feeling judged, dismissed, and alone. A smile doesn’t tell you how much someone is hurting. A canceled plan doesn’t mean they didn’t want to be there. Asking for pain relief deserves compassion. Sometimes, support starts with a few simple words: ❤️ “I believe you.” ❤️ “I’m here to listen.” ❤️ “How can I help?” You don’t have to see someone’s pain to respect it. 📌 Share this reminder. The way we speak to—and about—people living with sickle cell matters. ❤️ Help us support individuals and families living with sickle cell disease. Donate to our Sickle Support Fund today. https://givebutter.com/sickle-support-fund #WordsMatter #SickleCellAwareness #MTSSickleCellFoundation #SickleSupportFund

Having a treatment available and being able to access it are two very different things. The Guardian recently highlighted research showing that while 91% of surveyed healthcare providers reported access to red blood cell exchange (RBCX), fewer than 3% of U.S. patients with sickle cell disease receive it annually. Behind these numbers are families navigating challenges with care coordination, blood availability, insurance, distance, and access to experienced care teams. Every person’s treatment needs are different. What matters is that patients understand their options and can access the care that is appropriate for them. At MTS Sickle Cell Foundation, we believe families deserve clear information, coordinated care, and practical support to overcome the barriers they face. Thank you to The Guardian for bringing attention to this issue and to Terumo BCT for amplifying the conversation. Available care must become accessible care. Read the article: "The Guardian" https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/sep/27/sickle-cell-patients-red-blood-cell-exchange #SickleCellDisease #HealthEquity #AccessToCare

🩸 For someone living with sickle cell disease, finding blood for a transfusion can take more than matching A, B, AB, or O. Red blood cells carry additional markers called antigens. The body can develop antibodies against unfamiliar donor antigens, making future matches harder to find. Closer matching helps reduce that risk. This is why a diverse donor community matters. People with similar ancestry may share blood markers, and more Black donors can help meet the needs of many sickle cell warriors. Blood testing determines compatibility. Behind every search for a match is a person waiting for care. ❤️ If you’re eligible, schedule a blood donation. Your donation could be someone’s needed match. Join us on October 17th from 10 AM–4 PM in Atlanta for the Sickle Strong Blood Drive. Learn more here: https://mythreesicklers.org/blood-drive/. 📌 Share this post to help others understand why matched blood matters. ❤️ Help us support individuals and families living with sickle cell disease. Donate to our Sickle Support Fund today. https://givebutter.com/sickle-support-fund #SickleCellAwareness #DonateBlood #MTSSickleCellFoundation #SickleSupportFund

Leaving today’s Georgia Life Sciences Patient Advocacy Forum feeling encouraged by the conversations about research, healthcare access, and the realities patients and caregivers face. 💛 For families living with sickle cell disease and other serious conditions, navigating care can be overwhelming. Better coordination and practical support can make a meaningful difference in whether someone receives treatment or can participate in research. I appreciated hearing recognition of those everyday struggles and the importance of community partnerships. Patients, caregivers, and community organizations have valuable knowledge to contribute, and they need the resources to be meaningful partners in this work. Thank you to Georgia Life Sciences, the speakers, and fellow advocates for a thoughtful day. My hope is that these conversations lead to changes families can feel in their everyday lives. #PatientAdvocacy #SickleCell #HealthcareAccess #CaregiverSupport

🚨 With sickle cell disease, knowing when to seek emergency care can save a life. A fever of 101.3°F (38.5°C) or higher, chest pain, or difficulty breathing needs immediate medical evaluation. Follow a lower fever threshold if your care team has given you one. Call 911 for stroke signs, severe trouble breathing, a seizure, or loss of consciousness. Do not wait for a callback during an emergency. Keep your care plan and emergency contacts accessible, and make sure caregivers know the warning signs. This graphic highlights key symptoms—not every possible emergency. 📌 Save this guide and share it with someone who helps care for a sickle cell warrior. ❤️ Help us support individuals and families living with sickle cell disease. Donate to our Sickle Support Fund today. https://givebutter.com/sickle-support-fund #SickleCellAwareness #SickleCellDisease #MTSSickleCellFoundation #SickleSupportFund

Come for the community. Stay for the fun. Give blood if you can! ❤️ The MTS Sickle Cell Foundation is proud to partner with Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies and other community partners for the Sickle Strong Blood Drive, and you’re invited—whether you’re donating or simply coming out to support! Bring the family and enjoy: 🎶 Music by DJ Webb 🍕 FREE pizza and drinks 🎨 Face painting and caricatures 🤝 Community resources and sickle cell education 🎤 Community voices, including our very own Tully at noon! Blood donors will also receive a special Sickle Strong T-shirt and be included in donor raffle drawings! 📅 Saturday, October 17, 2026 ⏰ 10 AM–4 PM 📍 LifeSouth Dunwoody Donor Center 4891 Ashford Dunwoody Rd., Atlanta, GA You don’t have to donate to be part of the day. Come connect, learn, and show our sickle cell community some love. Scan the QR code on the flyer to schedule your blood donation or visit https://donors.lifesouth.org/donor/schedules/center_view/3/1792195200! #SickleStrong #SickleCellAwareness #DonateBlood #MTSSickleCellFoundation #TerumoPartner

Sickle cell is more than pain. ❤️ It’s the exhaustion that can make everyday tasks difficult. The complications that can affect vital organs. The missed school days, interrupted careers, and emotional weight of managing a lifelong condition. And for families, it can also mean caregiving demands, travel for treatment, and lost income. Every warrior’s experience is different. Everyone deserves to be believed, understood, and supported—even when their struggles aren’t visible. 📌 Share this post to help others see the whole picture. ❤️ Help us support individuals and families living with sickle cell disease. Donate to our Sickle Support Fund today. https://givebutter.com/sickle-support-fund #SickleCellAwareness #MoreThanPain #MTSSickleCellFoundation #SickleSupportFund

Sickle cell affects more than the blood. Caring for it can take a whole team. ❤️ From eye and kidney health to pain management and emotional well-being, different specialists can play an important role in supporting people living with SCD. Every warrior’s needs are different—you may not need every specialist listed. Your hematologist and primary care provider can help coordinate care and referrals. You deserve care that sees and supports the whole person. 📌 Save this guide, share it with a caregiver, and use it to start a conversation with your care team. ************* ❤️ Help us support individuals and families living with sickle cell disease. Donate to our Sickle Support Fund today. https://givebutter.com/sickle-support-fund #SickleCellAwareness #SickleCellDisease #MTSSickleCellFoundation #WholePersonCare

September ends. Our commitment continues. ❤️ As a mother of three daughters living with sickle cell disease, this work is deeply personal. The need for understanding, access to care, and meaningful support continues every day of the year. Thank you to everyone who raised awareness, donated blood, supported our programs, shared our message, and stood with our community this month. At MTS Sickle Cell Foundation, we will keep showing up for warriors and families, amplifying their voices, and pushing for change. Let’s carry September’s momentum forward. Our community deserves it. ❤️ #SickleCellAwareness #SickleCellDisease #MTSSickleCellFoundation #BeyondSeptember

Closing out Sickle Cell Awareness Month with a full heart. ❤️ Yesterday, I had the honor of joining Brian Lehrschall and Amanda Mitchell for the Patient Perspectives panel at the PhRMA State Advocacy National Meeting, moderated by Kashae Williams. Together, we spoke about access to care, the realities families navigate, and why patients and caregivers must have a voice in the policies that affect their lives. My fellow panelists were incredible, and the standing ovation at the end was truly moving. I’m grateful for the warmth in that room and the willingness to listen to the experiences behind the policies. Thank you, PhRMA, for making space for this conversation. Having Tully beside me made it even more meaningful. ❤️ As September comes to a close, families continue navigating sickle cell every day. Our commitment to education, support, and advocacy continues with them. We carry our families and our communities into these rooms, with the hope that what we share helps make care easier to reach. #SickleCellAwarenessMonth #PatientAdvocacy #HealthEquity

❤️ Newnan showed up for sickle cell awareness! Yesterday’s blood drive at Greater Love Bible Church was a beautiful example of what can happen when community, faith, education, and service come together. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who came out to support — especially those who rolled up their sleeves and donated blood. Every donor made a choice that could help save lives, and we do not take that lightly. A very special thank you to Amanda Tucker, our Community Health Worker and Transportation Navigator, who spearheaded and coordinated this effort in her own community. Amanda continues to turn advocacy into action, and we are so proud of the way she brings people together around sickle cell awareness and support. ❤️ We are also deeply grateful to Pastor Stafford Dudley and Greater Love Bible Church for opening their doors and creating space for this lifesaving effort, and to the incredible LifeSouth Community Blood Centers team for their professionalism, care, and hard work throughout the day. Thank you as well to Chick-fil-A for providing digital meal cards for our blood donors, and to every family member, church member, friend, advocate, and supporter who wore red, shared information, encouraged others, prayed, donated, or simply showed up. Not everyone who wants to donate is able to, and we appreciate every person who came with the heart to help. But for those who are eligible and able: your donation matters. One donation can help save up to three lives. Yesterday was about more than collecting blood. It was about reminding our community that sickle cell awareness must also lead to action. To every donor: THANK YOU, HEROES. ❤️🩸 #SickleCellAwarenessMonth #SickleCellDisease #SickleCellHero #BloodDonation #BloodDiversity

Early morning flight with my Tully! ✈️❤️ Charlotte, here we come! Tomorrow, I’ll join the Patient Perspectives panel at the PhRMA State National Meeting to share what navigating sickle cell care has taught me as a mother and advocate—and what families need policymakers to understand. We’ll talk about access to treatment, the barriers that can stand in the way, and why patients and caregivers need to be part of shaping the policies that affect their lives. Having Tully beside me makes this trip especially meaningful. So much of what I bring into these conversations comes from our lives, and from the families we serve through the MTS Sickle Cell Foundation. Grateful for the opportunity to carry those experiences into the room—and for a little mother-daughter time along the way. ❤️ #SickleCellAwareness #PatientAdvocacy #HealthEquity

We had an incredible experience yesterday at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s 2026 Sickle Cell Education Day! 💚 I had the privilege of moderating “Strong Cells, Big Dreams” with Mary Aliche, Kyle Registre, Dr. Christopher Chambliss, Keieria Barron and Chelsea Uche — and the conversation was everything I hoped it would be. We talked about growing up with sickle cell disease, pursuing big dreams, navigating treatment and research, the difference between protection and limitation, and what strength really means. And when our session ended…the conversation didn’t. More than 30 minutes later, families were still asking questions, sharing experiences, and engaging with the panelists. That says so much. There is a real need for spaces where people impacted by sickle cell can talk openly, ask the questions that don’t always fit into a clinic visit, and feel truly heard. The entire day was filled with education, connection, resources, and community — from early childhood care and transition support to bone marrow transplant, gene therapy, age-based activities, and the resource fair. I’m especially grateful to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, the Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center, the planning committee, and everyone who helped make this day possible. And to Mary, Kyle, Christopher, Keieria and Chelsea — thank you for bringing such honesty, openness, and heart to the conversation. People impacted by sickle cell don’t only need information. They need spaces to connect, question, and be heard. Yesterday was a beautiful reminder of just how powerful those spaces can be. 💚 #SickleCellEducationDay #SickleCellDisease #SickleCellAwareness #SickleCellAdvocacy

Today’s Line Dance for Sickle Cell was filled with energy, fellowship, education, and so much love for the sickle cell community. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who came out, danced, learned, donated, and helped make this event such a success. A very special thank you to Barbara Baylor and Sunflowers in Motion Line Dance for their tireless support of sickle cell disease and for choosing to use their platform to raise both awareness and funds for the MTS Sickle Cell Foundation to support our work. Every dollar helps us continue providing education, advocacy, resources, and direct support to individuals and families impacted by sickle cell disease. There is something powerful about community showing up for community — and today, they SHOWED UP. 💃🏾🕺🏾 Thank you to our KaSp Program Director and Warrior Queen Karen Kamara-Schaack for leading this outreach. 💕 Thank you, Barbara. Thank you, Sunflowers in Motion. And thank you to everyone who made today so special. Stronger Together. ❤️ #SickleCellAwareness #SickleCellDisease #SickleCellAwarenessMonth #SunflowersInMotion #LineDanceForSickleCell

More progress for the sickle cell community during Sickle Cell Awareness Month. ❤️ On September 23, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D., alongside Congressman Danny Davis and Senators Chris Van Hollen and Cory Booker, announced the reintroduction of legislation aimed at addressing one of the challenges our community knows all too well: access to comprehensive, specialized sickle cell care. The Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Center Act would help establish a national network of specialized sickle cell treatment centers—connecting comprehensive SCD expertise with community health centers and other providers so that quality care can reach more patients. And one part especially caught our attention at MTS Sickle Cell Foundation: ❤️ Community-based organizations are included in the model. The legislation recognizes that caring for people with sickle cell disease extends beyond the hospital. Education, outreach, care coordination, social support and trusted community partnerships all play a role. We know this firsthand. Every day, community organizations help families navigate the spaces between the doctor's appointment and real life—transportation, resources, education, research opportunities, support and simply knowing where to turn. This legislation was introduced alongside the Sickle Cell Care Expansion Act, which addresses another major challenge: strengthening the healthcare workforce available to care for people with SCD and supporting young adults transitioning from pediatric to adult care. We’ll be watching both bills as they move through Congress and continuing to advocate for systems of care that meet people with sickle cell disease where they are. ❤️🩸 Thank you to the congressional leaders continuing to bring national attention to the needs of the sickle cell community. #SickleCellAwarenessMonth #SickleCellDisease #SickleCellAwareness #SickleCellAdvocacy

I wasn't prepared for how emotional this would make me. Hearing this message playing across the Liberian airwaves while seeing our team taking sickle cell education directly into schools across Liberia brought tears to my eyes. This is what awareness sounds like. 🇱🇷🩸 Throughout September 2026, MTS Sickle Cell Foundation–Liberia, through the Kamara Sickle Cell Project (KaSp), is taking sickle cell disease education into schools and communities across Liberia—while our Sickle Cell Awareness Month message reaches listeners over the Liberian airwaves. Our school-based campaign is helping young people understand sickle cell disease, how it is inherited, the importance of knowing their genotype, and the role each of us can play in ending stigma and supporting people living with SCD. Every classroom reached represents an opportunity to change what the next generation knows about sickle cell disease. Get tested. Know your status. Stop the stigma. 🇱🇷 Healthy Students. Stronger Liberia. Closing the Survival Gap: Equity in Sickle Cell Disease Care Learn more: www.mythreesicklers.org⁠ #SickleCellDisease #SickleCellAwarenessMonth #SickleCellLiberia #MTSLiberia #KaSp

🌍 Where a person is born should never determine whether they receive the care they need to live with sickle cell disease. Today, September 23, OneSCD: A Global Partnership to Advance Equity and Transform Sickle Cell Care launches on the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. Hosted by the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and co-organized with UNICEF, WHO, Africa CDC, the World Coalition on Sickle Cell Disease, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, this convening brings together global leaders, health experts, advocates, and people with lived experience to advance coordinated action. The priorities speak directly to what families need: ❤️ Expanded newborn screening ❤️ Stronger health systems ❤️ Greater access to comprehensive sickle cell care At MTS Sickle Cell Foundation, we know that behind every discussion about access is a person waiting for care and a family hoping for a better future. Our hope is that this partnership translates global commitments into sustained resources, earlier diagnosis, and meaningful improvements in everyday care—with warriors and families helping shape the way forward. 📅 TODAY | September 23, 2026 🕞 3:30–5:00 PM, New York time 📍 UN Headquarters, Conference Room 11 Help amplify this moment. Share this post so more people understand why sickle cell deserves global attention, investment, and action. 🔗 Learn more about the OneSCD launch and register here: https://www.stjudeglobalevents.org/event/UNGA2026/register?rp=e7437689-9438-4b3f-baab-0613d3c00bf8 #OneSCD #SickleCellAwareness #HealthEquity #SickleCellDisease

🚔❤️ Now THIS is how you show up for sickle cell awareness! A huge thank you to Sheriff Levon Allen and the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office for supporting our Annual Blood Drive and helping bring visibility to sickle cell disease in such a memorable way. Sheriff Allen assigned deputies to support the event and sent out the Sickle Cell Awareness Patrol Car, which quickly became one of the most photographed parts of the day. Warriors, families, community members, and supporters had the opportunity to see the vehicle up close, take photos, and even add their names and messages to a car created specifically to amplify sickle cell awareness. This kind of visibility matters. When public institutions stand with the sickle cell community, it sends a powerful message that our warriors and families are seen, valued, and supported. Thank you, Sheriff Allen, for continuing to stand with our community. ❤️ #SickleCellAwarenessMonth #ClaytonCounty #CommunityPartnership #SickleCellAdvocacy

MT ZION HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND AT SCD BLOOD DRIVE

🌟 Community Spotlight: Amanda Tucker — Advocacy in Action Today, we are especially proud to spotlight Amanda Tucker, one of our Community Health Workers and the Transportation Navigator for the MTS Sickle Cell Foundation. This Sickle Cell Awareness Month, Amanda did more than raise awareness — she engaged her local government and turned advocacy into action. Through Amanda’s outreach and advocacy, the City of Newnan issued a proclamation officially recognizing September 2026 as Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Amanda joined Mayor James Shepherd to receive the proclamation on behalf of a community she not only serves, but is also part of. This moment is deeply personal as Amanda lives with sickle cell disease and has shared that as a child, she was told she would not live to see age 5. Today, she is here — living, thriving, raising her voice, serving other families, and making sure sickle cell disease is seen and acknowledged in her own community. That is leadership. That is advocacy. And that is impact. Community Health Workers are the superheroes of our communities. They have this incredible ability to take what they know, who they know, and the communities they belong to and create change from the inside out. Amanda is doing exactly that. She saw an opportunity to elevate sickle cell awareness in Newnan, engaged her city, and helped secure formal recognition of the warriors and families impacted by this disease. We could not be prouder. ❤️ Amanda, congratulations. Thank you for demonstrating what happens when lived experience, service, and advocacy come together. And she isn't stopping there. 🩸 Amanda is also spearheading our upcoming Sickle Cell Awareness Month Blood Drive in partnership with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers and Greater Love Bible Church. 📅 Sunday, September 27 | 8 AM–2 PM 📍 Greater Love Bible Church | 1325 Hwy 29 S, Newnan, GA If you're able, please support Amanda's next community effort by becoming a #SickleCellHero and donating blood. Register: https://donors.lifesouth.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/914693 #SickleCellAwarenessMonth #SickleCellAdvocacy #AdvocacyInAction #SickleCellDisease

More than one-quarter of our capacity in less than 24 hours! ❤️ The early response to our 11th Annual Sickle Cell Awareness & Support Holiday Breakfast has been so encouraging. Our preliminary registration list already includes 66 people from 15 Georgia cities! Warriors, caregivers, siblings, and loved ones are preparing to gather for a day of sickle cell education, connection, encouragement, and holiday joy. We’re grateful for every family making plans to join us. 📅 Saturday, December 19, 2026 🕙 10:00 AM–2:00 PM 📍 Flint River Community Center 153 Flint River Road, Riverdale, GA 30274 Space is limited to 250 people. Please register early and list each person attending separately so we can prepare for everyone. RSVP: https://mythreesicklers.org/holiday-breakfast/ #MTSSickleCellFoundation #SickleCellAwareness #SickleCellCommunity

This weekend was a beautiful reminder of what can happen when patients, physicians, researchers, and community come together with a shared commitment to improving the lives of people living with sickle cell disease. ❤️ I had the opportunity to attend the 2026 Emory & Grady Sickle Cell Disease Research Day, and it was an incredibly educational and thoughtfully designed day of learning, conversation, and connection. Dr. Wally Smith’s keynote was truly a masterclass in sickle cell care and reinforced the importance of building a model of care that bridges divides and promotes collaboration. Patient. Physician. Community. That triad matters. Patients bring lived experience. Physicians and researchers bring clinical and scientific expertise. Community organizations help bridge the space between healthcare systems and the realities families face every day. When those voices genuinely work together, we can create care that is not only clinically excellent, but responsive, accessible, and grounded in the lives of the people it serves. Throughout the day, we also received valuable education around transfusion medicine, research, drug development, patient-reported outcomes, gene and transformative therapies, and more. One of the most powerful portions was the patient community panel. Individuals living with sickle cell disease spoke candidly about navigating different phases of life—from growing up with SCD and transitioning into adult care to adulthood, treatment decisions, and transformative therapy. Research matters. Innovation matters. Clinical expertise matters. But the voices and experiences of people living with sickle cell disease must remain at the center. Thank you to Emory University School of Medicine and Grady Health System, the presenters, researchers, clinicians, patients, advocates, and everyone who contributed to such a meaningful day. I left with new knowledge, new questions, and an even greater appreciation for what becomes possible when we intentionally bring the entire sickle cell community to the same table. This is how we move the needle—together. ❤️ #SickleCellDisease #SickleCellResearch #SickleCellCommunity #SCDPatientVoice

I was not prepared for the response after sharing the news of Dr. Abdullah Kutlar’s passing. The grief has been palpable — and it extends far beyond Georgia’s patient community. Patients have shared that they drove hours just to be under his care. Colleagues have described him as a mentor, collaborator, role model, teacher, scientist, advocate, and friend. Across the sickle cell ecosystem, people have reflected on his kindness, humility, wisdom, and the tremendous influence he had on their work and lives. What has become so clear is that Dr. Kutlar’s impact cannot be measured by one title or one institution. He cared for patients. He mentored professionals. He advanced research. He helped shape the field. And through it all, he remained deeply human. For adult warriors across Georgia and neighboring states, this loss is deeply personal. For physicians, researchers, nurses, colleagues, and collaborators, it is the loss of a respected leader and friend. For the broader sickle cell community, we have lost someone whose life’s work helped move all of us forward. Because of the extraordinary outpouring of love and gratitude, the MTS Sickle Cell Foundation is adding a special tribute to Dr. Kutlar to our Sickle Cell Awareness Month billboard campaign on I-75 Northbound near Exit 233, Morrow/Lake City. THANK YOU, DR. KUTLAR. YOUR CARE CHANGED LIVES. This tribute is small compared with all he gave, but it reflects what we are hearing from every corner of this community: You mattered to your patients. You mattered to your colleagues. You mattered to science. You mattered to this community. Your legacy will endure. ❤️ #DrAbdullahKutlar #SickleCellDisease #SickleCellAwarenessMonth #SickleCellResearch #SickleCellCommunity

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Abdullah Kutlar. For decades, Dr. Kutlar was a pillar of sickle cell care, research, and education in Georgia. He served as Director of the Sickle Cell Center at the Medical College of Georgia/Augusta University beginning in 1994, helping build and sustain a program that reached far beyond Augusta. Under his leadership, the Center supported Georgia’s newborn screening program, maintained outreach clinics across South Georgia, and provided care to patients in rural communities who often had few other options. His impact also extended nationally and internationally through clinical research, NIH-supported studies, hemoglobinopathy testing, and the training and mentorship of generations of clinicians and scientists. Augusta University credits him with major contributions to clinical care, basic science, research, and education throughout his long career. For me, this loss is especially difficult because I know what his presence meant to adult warriors throughout Georgia — particularly those in rural communities who traveled hours to receive care. His passing leaves a tremendous void. I was honored to serve alongside Dr. Kutlar on the SolveSickle Stakeholder Advisory Committee, which he chaired, and I am especially grateful that I had the opportunity to see him at FSCDR in June where he was still doing what he had done for so many years: teaching, leading, asking important questions, and helping move the field forward. When I think of Dr. Kutlar, I think not only of his scholarship and leadership, but of the countless patients and families whose lives were touched because he chose to dedicate his career to sickle cell disease. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, his colleagues at Augusta University, his patients, and the many people across the sickle cell community who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. Georgia has lost a giant in sickle cell care. May his legacy continue through the patients he cared for, the professionals he mentored, the research he advanced, and the systems he helped build. Rest well, Dr. Kutlar. You will be deeply missed. ❤️

🎄 SAVE THE DATE! A beloved MTS tradition returns for year 11! ❤️ Join the MTS Sickle Cell Foundation for our 11th Annual Sickle Cell Awareness & Support Holiday Breakfast—a FREE gathering for individuals and families impacted by sickle cell disease. Together, we’ll learn from the lived experiences of sickle cell warriors and community voices, connect with resources, and celebrate the season with breakfast, gifts for children, Santa, music and fellowship. 📅 Saturday, December 19, 2026 🕙 10:00 AM–2:00 PM 📍 Flint River Community Center 153 Flint River Road, Riverdale, GA 30274 Whether you’ve celebrated with us before or this will be your first year, we look forward to welcoming you! 💚 🎟️ RSVP: https://mythreesicklers.org/holiday-breakfast/ Please register EVERY person attending, including children and infants, with a separate ticket in their own name. Accurate names and children’s ages help us prepare for your family. ✨ Sponsorship opportunities are available! Help make this day possible by emailing mtsscfoundation@gmail.com. #SickleCellAwareness #SickleCellCommunity #HolidayBreakfast #HopeLivesHere

I have struggled to find the words for this one. The loss of Gershom “Bubba” Washington Jr. has weighed heavily on me, and my silence has felt louder with each passing day. I knew Bubba as one of the young warriors who grew up in and around our sickle cell community. I watched him mature, find his footing, and begin making choices that reflected the future he was working toward. Last year, I was proud to see him apply for our Warrior on the Rise Scholarship. Then, in June, he emailed me to share that he had made the Dean’s List at Kennesaw State University. That news was priceless because it represented growth, determination, and a young man continuing to push forward despite the challenges sickle cell disease placed in his path. What I did not fully understand until after his passing was how deeply connected he was to my own girls. Tully and Deej shared that Bubba had become like a big brother to them. They talked about life, hopes, dreams, hard days and good ones. Watching their grief has reminded me how deep the bonds are among young people in this community — bonds often formed through experiences only they truly understand. My heart is with Dr. Washington, his brother, his family, and everyone who loved him. There is also a truth that is becoming harder to carry: we live in a near-constant state of bereavement in the sickle cell community. We celebrate birthdays, graduations, scholarships, careers, marriages, babies and victories, while far too often being forced to grieve again. That is a heavy thing to carry. Tomorrow, Bubba’s family will celebrate his life. Although I will not be there in person, my heart will be with them. Bubba, I am grateful I got to witness even a small part of your journey, and grateful to now understand how much love and encouragement you gave to my girls. You mattered. Your progress mattered. Your dreams mattered. And you will be remembered. Rest well, Bubba. ❤️

🩸 Calling men in Georgia living with sickle cell disease! Discovering Moore2Life is launching its Man Cave Empowerment Zone, a 6-month pilot program created by men, for men — designed to provide a safe space to connect, grow, strengthen mental wellness, build skills, and create a vision for the future. They are currently looking for 15 men ages 18–60 living in Georgia with sickle cell disease to participate. Participants will have opportunities to: 🤝 Connect with other men who understand 🧠 Learn tools to support mental wellness 🛠️ Build skills and access resources 🎯 Take charge of personal goals and future plans Compensation will be provided for participants’ time and contributions. If this sounds like something for you — or someone you know — please share and help spread the word. Learn more and complete the interest form here: https://www.discoveringmoorer2life.org/mancave #SickleCellDisease #MensHealth #MentalWellness #CommunitySupport

September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month ✨️ MTS Sickle Cell Foundation, Inc., in collaboration with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers and the New Morning Light Baptist Church, will host a blood drive in honor of National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Come out and enjoy food, fun, and fellowship. Free clothes give away by the New Morning Light Baptist Church Clothing Ministry 🖤❤️ Sickle cell patients may need many blood transfusions in a lifetime, some as frequently as every four weeks. However, multiple transfusions can cause complications. To reduce complications, finding donors whose blood types more precisely match these patients is crucial. We call these donors #SickleCellHeroes. Secure your donation slot here: https://donors.lifesouth.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/880245 Thank you to Warrior Mom Coretta Johnson for spearheading this initiative and serving as the Coordinator. DATE: SEPTEMER 19, 2026 LOCATION: New Morning Light Baptist Church 1392 Conley Rd, Conley, GA 30288 Learn more about this event at https://www.mythreesicklers.org/blood-drive/

🩸 Honored to join the Northwest Georgia Section of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) for this important Sickle Cell Awareness Month conversation. The webinar is slated for Thursday, September 24, and is entitled: “Invisible Pain: Exploring the Impact of Living with Sickle Cell Disease and Other Sickle Cell Inherited Disorders.” So much of the impact of sickle cell disease is unseen — the physical pain, emotional toll, uncertainty, caregiving burden, and the constant work families do to navigate care and advocate for themselves. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share both my perspective as a mother of three daughters living with sickle cell disease and the work of the MTS Sickle Cell Foundation in supporting individuals and families across the community. The conversation will also address sickle cell trait, treatment advances, research, myths and misconceptions, resources, and ways we can all become better informed and more supportive. 📅 Thursday, September 24, 2026 ⏰ 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM 💻 Virtual Webinar Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/0QrvhohaSLy2fPCbCUvbXg?utm_source=chatgpt.com#/registration Thank you to the Northwest Georgia Chapter of NCNW for creating space for this important conversation during Sickle Cell Awareness Month. ❤️ #SickleCellAwarenessMonth #SickleCellDisease #SickleCellAwareness #NCNW

Have you seen our #SickleCellAwareness billboard on I-75 Northbound near Exit 233—the Morrow/Lake City? It is home to some of our awareness efforts for the month of September. It's estimated to receive more than 2 million views from 8/31 to 9/27. Check out our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Vivien Sheehan's first time reaction to seeing her slide 🎉🎊💕 ************* Sickle cell care cannot begin and end in moments of crisis. Warriors deserve comprehensive, informed, proactive care that supports the whole person. This slide amplifies the need for better education, better systems, and better care for individuals and families impacted by sickle cell disease. *********************** Learn more, give, advocate, donate blood, and stand with Sickle Cell Warriors at www.MyThreeSicklers.org. #sicklecellawareness #sicklecell #sicklecellawarenessmonth #warriorstrong

🌻 We’re excited to share another Sickle Cell Awareness Month community partnership! On Saturday, September 26, Sunflowers in Motion Line Dance will host Line Dance for Sickle Cell at Hunter Park in Douglasville — and the MTS Sickle Cell Foundation, Inc. will be there to provide sickle cell awareness information and connect with the community. We are grateful for partnerships like this that create space for fun, fellowship, education, and awareness while helping more people learn about sickle cell disease and the families impacted by it. 📅 Saturday, September 26, 2026 ⏰ 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM 📍 Hunter Park, 8830 Gurley Rd., Douglasville 🎟️ $5 Come out, move with us, learn with us, and support sickle cell awareness. ❤️ Thank you to Sunflowers in Motion Line Dance for including the MTS Sickle Cell Foundation in this meaningful event and for helping bring greater awareness to our community. #SickleCellAwarenessMonth #SickleCellDisease #SickleCellAwareness #CommunityPartnership

Dear Warrior Families, Over the years, I have had the privilege of connecting with individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease across the country. Some of you found the MTS Sickle Cell Foundation during a difficult season. Some have participated in our programs, attended our events, shared your stories, volunteered, donated, or helped another family find its way to us. However you became part of this community, I want you to know that you are an important part of the MTS story. For more than a decade, we have done our best to stand beside families when the realities of sickle cell disease extend beyond the hospital—when transportation becomes a barrier, food runs low, a household emergency occurs, or an already difficult season becomes even harder. We have seen firsthand what timely, practical support can mean to a family. We have also learned that the need does not arise only when a grant is available, an event is being held, or an emergency appeal is underway. Families need a source of support that is steady, dependable, and built to last. That is why we created the Sickle Support Fund. The Sickle Support Fund is a community-powered initiative designed to help the MTS Sickle Cell Foundation provide consistent socioeconomic support to individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease. It is built around a simple but powerful idea: We can be part of our own support. This fund does not depend on one person making a large contribution. It grows when many people choose to give a manageable amount consistently. With their monthly gifts, Sickle Supporters help us build a dependable source of assistance, allowing the MTS Sickle Cell Foundation to plan responsibly and respond when families need help. If your circumstances allow, I invite you to become a monthly Sickle Supporter: https://givebutter.com/sickle-support-fund The Sickle Support Fund is about all of us doing what we can, when we can, so that no family has to feel as though they are carrying the weight alone. Small gifts. Steady support. Stronger families. Thank you for trusting MTS, growing with us, and believing in what we can build together. With heartfelt gratitude 💚

🩸 Sharing with the Atlanta sickle cell community! Emory & Grady will host the 2026 Sickle Cell Disease Research Day on Saturday, September 12, 2026 — a day focused on connecting adult patients, families, and researchers. A major highlight will be keynote speaker Dr. Wally R. Smith, a nationally recognized sickle cell expert and Florence Neal Cooper Smith Professor of Sickle Cell Disease at Virginia Commonwealth University. The day will also include discussions on: 🧬 Gene Therapy & Women’s Health 💊 Drug Development & Patient-Reported Outcomes 🩸 Advances in Transfusion Therapy 🧡 HbSC research 🔬 Research myth-busting 🗣️ A patient community panel 📅 Saturday, September 12, 2026 ⏰ 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM 📍 Steiner Auditorium, Atlanta 🍳 Breakfast + lunch provided 🚗 Complimentary parking available If you’re an adult living with sickle cell disease, this looks like a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and hear directly from leaders in the field. Please share with anyone in the community who may be interested. ❤️ REGISTER HERE: https://med.emory.edu/departments/pathology/sickle-cell-research-event.html #SickleCellDisease #SickleCellResearch #SickleCellCommunity

I had such a wonderful meeting with Warrior Queen Tayo Togba of Sonar Clinical Research! Tayo is not only a great friend and fellow advocate, her work is deeply rooted in making clinical research more inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the communities it is intended to serve. Our conversation centered on community-driven sickle cell research, breaking down barriers to care and research participation, and identifying meaningful ways to collaborate in raising awareness of available research opportunities. Research is strongest when the community is not simply recruited—but informed, respected, included, and heard throughout the process. I’m grateful for people like Tayo who understand that both personally and professionally. I’m excited about the possibilities ahead and the impact we can create together. 💚 #SickleCellAwarenessMonth #SickleCellDisease #ClinicalResearch

Tell a friend to tell a friend that 📣 SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL SICKLE CELL AWARENESS MONTH 📣 #sicklecellawareness #sicklecell #sicklecellawarenessmonth #warriorstrong

I’m excited to share that I’ll be moderating a panel at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s 2026 Sickle Cell Education Day! 💚 Our session, “Strong Cells, Big Dreams,” will feature Mary Aliche, Kyle Registre, and Dr. Christopher Chambliss — three incredible voices whose lived experience, advocacy, and work in research will make for a truly thought-provoking conversation. So often, people living with sickle cell disease are told about their limits before they’re ever encouraged to explore their possibilities. During this session, we’ll have an honest and hopeful conversation about what it means to live with sickle cell disease while still daring to dream, pursue purpose, and define success on your own terms. 📅 Saturday, September 26, 2026 📍 Arthur M. Blank Hospital 🕘 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. If you’re in the area, I hope you’ll join us for a day of education, connection, and encouragement for the sickle cell community. I’d love to see you there. 💚 #SickleCellDisease #SickleCellEducationDay #StrongCellsBigDreams #SickleCellAdvocacy #CHOA #HealthEquity #SickleCellWarriors

FACT ABOUT SICKLE CELL DISEASE Penicillin prophylaxis prevents pneumococcal sepsis in children with sickle cell disease. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the use of daily penicillin for children under the age of 5. ********** September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Please join us in raising much needed awareness, support, and sensitivity surrounding this global health issue. www.mythreesicklers.org. #SickleCellAwarenessMonth #SickleCellDisease #SupportSickleCell #SickleCellAwareness #WarriorStrong

❤️ SEPTEMBER IS SICKLE CELL AWARENESS MONTH ❤️ Today marks the first day of September, and we are beginning Sickle Cell Awareness Month in a BIG way! Our billboard is officially up on I-75 Northbound near Exit 233—the Morrow/Lake City exit—and its message is one we hope no one will simply drive past: “DON’T DRIVE PAST THEIR FIGHT.” Behind every sickle cell warrior is a fight that too often goes unseen—a fight for consistent medical care, safe transportation, effective treatment, understanding, opportunity, and the freedom to live fully. Throughout September, this billboard is expected to reach more than 2 million people. That means more than 2 million opportunities to make someone stop, think, learn, care, and take action. Sickle cell disease does not begin or end with Awareness Month, and neither does our work. Every day, the MTS Sickle Cell Foundation stands beside warriors and families, helping them overcome the very real barriers that can stand between them and the care they need. This September, we invite you to see their fight, share their stories, support their journey, and help us keep moving warriors forward. *********************** Learn more, give, advocate, donate blood, and stand with Sickle Cell Warriors at www.MyThreeSicklers.org. #sicklecellawareness #sicklecell #sicklecellawarenessmonth #warriorstrong

📣 BIG NEWS FOR SICKLE CELL AWARENESS! 🩸🏈 Genetix Biotherapeutics and the National Football League Alumni Association have announced a new national partnership focused on increasing awareness of sickle cell disease and helping individuals and families better understand available treatment options and support resources. Through this partnership, former and current NFL voices will help elevate personal stories, support local community engagement, and connect families with educational resources—including information about newer transformative treatment options such as gene therapy. Sickle cell disease impacts approximately 100,000 people in the United States, yet far too many families still face gaps in awareness, access to information, and understanding of the rapidly changing treatment landscape. At the MTS Sickle Cell Foundation, we know that awareness must go beyond simply knowing that sickle cell disease exists. It means ensuring warriors and families have access to credible information, understand their options, know the questions to ask, and are empowered to make informed decisions about their care. The visibility that comes with a national platform like the NFL Alumni Association has the potential to bring sickle cell conversations into communities and households that have historically not received enough attention. We are encouraged to see this kind of investment in education and community engagement and look forward to seeing how this initiative helps move awareness—and ultimately access—forward. Every family deserves to know what is possible. ❤️ READ MORE HERE: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260818166117/en/Genetix-Biotherapeutics-and-the-National-Football-League-Alumni-Association-Announce-Partnership-to-Increase-Awareness-for-Sickle-Cell-Disease-and-Transformative-Treatment-Options #SickleCellDisease #SickleCellAwareness #SickleCell #GeneTherapy #PatientEducation

❤️ Saturday was a beautiful day of community, connection, and sickle cell awareness! Our SCD Awareness Fundraiser Cookout, hosted by MTS Sickle Cell Foundation, Inc. in collaboration with The Kamara Sickle Cell Project (KaSp), was such a wonderful success. We were so encouraged by the incredible turnout from the community and are deeply grateful to everyone who came out to fellowship with us, learn, support, and stand with individuals and families impacted by sickle cell disease. A special thank you to our volunteers, whose time, energy, and willingness to serve helped make the day possible. We are also grateful for every supporter, partner, family member, advocate, and friend who contributed to the spirit of the event. Days like this remind us that awareness is about more than sharing information — it is about building community, strengthening support, and making sure people living with sickle cell disease know they are seen and supported. ❤️ Thank you to everyone who helped make this gathering meaningful. We look forward to continuing the work together. #SickleCellDisease #SickleCellAwareness #SickleCellCommunity #MTSLiberia #KamaraSickleCellProject

I had the pleasure of meeting with Mia Robinson, Patient Representative with Novo Nordisk, today at Prologue in Fayetteville—and what a fruitful conversation it was! Mia shared several initiatives focused on supporting individuals and families impacted by sickle cell disease, and we explored meaningful ways to work together in advancing education, resources, and support for our community. I am always encouraged by conversations rooted in listening, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to meeting the needs of those we serve. No single organization can do this work alone. Progress happens when community voices, advocates, healthcare partners, and industry come together with shared purpose. Thank you, Mia, for your time, your insight, and your willingness to explore how we can partner in this fight. I look forward to what may grow from today’s conversation. 💚 #SickleCellDisease #SickleCellAwareness #CommunityPartnership #PatientAdvocacy

The MTS Sickle Cell Foundation, Inc., in collaboration with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers and Greater Love Bible Church, will host a blood drive in honor of Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Sickle cell patients may need many blood transfusions in a lifetime, some as frequently as every four weeks. However, multiple transfusions can cause complications. To reduce complications, finding donors whose blood types more precisely match these patients is crucial. We call these donors #SickleCellHeroes. Scan QR code to RSVP or click here: https://donors.lifesouth.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/914693. Thank you to our Community Health Worker, Amanda Tucker-Davis, for spearheading this initiative and serving as the Coordinator. DATE: Sunday, September 27, 8am – 2pm LOCATION: Greater Love Bible Church ADRRESS: 1325 Hwy 29 S, Newnan GA 30263 Learn more about this event at https://www.mythreesicklers.org/blood-drive/.

Today, I had the honor of providing testimony before the Georgia House Study Committee on Pharmacy Benefits Managers and Consumers’ Access to Prescription Medication at Mercer University School of Medicine. I spoke as the founder and CEO of the MTS Sickle Cell Foundation, but most importantly, as the mother of three daughters living with sickle cell disease. My daughters share the same diagnosis, yet their journeys and treatment needs are very different. Their experiences have taught me that healthcare decisions must remain between patients, their families, and the providers who understand their individual medical histories—not be driven by financial arrangements that patients cannot see or understand. I urged the committee to consider balanced reforms that increase transparency and accountability, protect the safety-net mission of the 340B program, and ensure that patients experience meaningful benefits from programs created to serve them. I am deeply grateful for how warmly my remarks were received and for the thoughtful conversations that followed. Moments like today remind me why it is so important for patients and families to be represented wherever policies affecting their care are being discussed. I also had a meaningful conversation with Representative Lee Hawkins, who was one of the first Republican legislators to support what would eventually become Georgia’s Sickle Cell Disease Protection Act. His early belief in the common-sense nature of that legislation gave us confidence to continue building support across the aisle. It was special to reflect on that journey with him today. Thank you to Chairman Ron Stephens, the members of the committee, Mercer University School of Medicine, and everyone who made space for the patient and caregiver perspective. When systems are being discussed, the people living within those systems must be part of the conversation. Today, our community’s voice was in the room. ❤️ #SickleCellDisease #PatientAdvocacy #HealthEquity #HealthcareAccess #GeorgiaAdvocacy

The MTS Sickle Cell Foundation, Inc., in collaboration with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers and the New Morning Light Baptist Church, will host a blood drive in honor of National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Sickle cell patients may need many blood transfusions in a lifetime, some as frequently as every four weeks. However, multiple transfusions can cause complications. To reduce complications, finding donors whose blood types more precisely match these patients is crucial. We call these donors #SickleCellHeroes. Scan QR code to RSVP or click here: https://donors.lifesouth.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/880245 Thank you to Warrior Mom Coretta Johnson for spearheading this initiative and serving as the Coordinator. DATE: SEPTEMER 19, 2026 LOCATION: New Morning Light Baptist Church 1392 Conley Rd, Conley, GA 30288 Learn more about this event at https://www.mythreesicklers.org/blood-drive/

📣✨ SICKLE CELL BILLBOARD ON I-75 NORTHBOUND, EXIT 233 MORROW/LAKE CITY EXIT 📣✨ September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month and I am so happy to announce that the MTS Sickle Cell Foundation has secured a billboard on I-75 that will be home to some of our awareness efforts for the month of September. It's estimated to receive more than 2 million views from 8/31 to 9/27. I’m so grateful for the continued support that makes initiatives like this possible. With God first, and with your unwavering commitment, we are able to keep pushing awareness forward in bold and impactful ways. 🙏🏾✨🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🥳🎊👏🏾🙌🏾💃🏾🙏🏽🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳 #sicklecellawareness #sicklecell #sicklecellawarenessmonth #warriorstrong

Today, on my birthday, my heart’s greatest desire is simple yet profound: world peace. I choose peace for myself. I choose peace for my family. I choose peace for my community. And I choose peace for the world at large. May we learn to extend more grace, lead with compassion, listen with understanding, and recognize the humanity in one another. I pray for peace in every heart, every home, every community, and every nation. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who called, texted, sent messages, posted on my wall, and took the time to celebrate me today. Every kind word, prayer, and expression of love has made my birthday even more meaningful. I am truly grateful and deeply blessed. As I begin another year of life, I am choosing gratitude, joy, purpose—and above all, peace. Here’s to another beautiful journey around the sun. Happy birthday to me! 🎉🎂

MTS Sickle Cell Foundation, Inc., in collaboration with The Kamara Sickle Cell Project (KaSp), is excited to host our upcoming SCD Awareness Fundraiser Cookout! Join us for a powerful day of food, fellowship, community, education, advocacy, and support as we raise awareness for Sickle Cell Disease and stand with warriors, caregivers, and families impacted by this lifelong condition. 📍 Rhodes Jordan Park, Pavilion #2 100 East Crogan Street Lawrenceville, GA 30046 🗓 Saturday, August 29, 2026 ⏰ 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM This community-centered event will bring together families, supporters, businesses, churches, civic groups, and community partners to help expand awareness, strengthen resources, and create lasting impact for individuals affected by sickle cell disease. Your support is an investment in hope, awareness, and a future where every person living with sickle cell disease has access to quality care, support, and opportunities to thrive. ❤️ Sponsorships, in-kind donations, volunteers, vendors, and community partners are welcome! 🎟 Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sickle-cell-disease-awareness-fundraiser-cookout-tickets-1992031090616

Our gorgeous girl turned 17 today! ✨️✨️💕 Happy birthday, Hajar!!! 🎉🎂💕 You are sweet, respectful, funny, imaginative, fiercely creative, and braver than words can express. You have faced more in your young life than many people will ever understand, yet you continue to meet each day with quiet strength, beautiful hope, and a smile that brings so much joy to our family. Watching you grow into the remarkable young woman you are becoming has been one of my greatest blessings. You dream big, love deeply, and always manage to find laughter—even on the hardest days. I am so proud of you, and I thank God for every moment, every milestone, and every year we are blessed to celebrate you. May 17 bring you abundant joy, new adventures, answered prayers, and everything your beautiful heart desires. Keep dreaming, creating, laughing, and shining, baby girl. Your future is as bright and extraordinary as you are. We love you beyond measure. Happy 17th birthday to our beautiful, brave Hajar! 💕🎉👑✨ #HajarTurns17

🎉 OUR WARRIOR IS MAKING HEADLINES! 🎉 We are incredibly proud to celebrate Charlaye Dennis, one of our 2026 scholarship honorees, who has been awarded a $25,000 Panda Cares Great Futures Scholarship! Charlaye was one of only 15 students nationwide selected for this tremendous honor. A graduate of Miller Grove High School, she will attend the Georgia State University Honors College this fall on the pre-medical track, with the goal of becoming a hematologist-oncologist. From sickle cell camp to our holiday breakfasts and many other community engagements, it has been a joy watching this Warrior grow into such a determined, focused, and accomplished young lady. Charlaye, your sickle cell community is celebrating with you! We are so proud of everything you have achieved and cannot wait to see all that lies ahead. Please join us in congratulating Charlaye on this extraordinary accomplishment! ❤️🎓👏🏾 Read her story: https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/metro-atlanta-teen-scores-25k-college-scholarship-panda-express/2FQJCVOQMBEKJKOWSJ5JNFAC6Y/ #WarriorOnTheRise #SickleCellWarrior #ScholarshipWinner #FutureDoctor

I learned that Sarafinah Bukirwa is currently in ICE custody at the Grayson County Detention Center in Kentucky. Many of you know Sarafinah as a mother of three beautiful young children, a Sickle Cell Warrior, and an advocate who has devoted herself to raising awareness and supporting families affected by sickle cell disease. My purpose in speaking today is narrow and humanitarian: to add my voice to those asking that Sarafinah’s health and medical needs remain a priority while she is in custody. My husband spoke with her brother today, and her family shared that she is now being given access to her prescribed medication and that medical care is being provided within the facility. I am grateful to hear that her medication has been made available. Because sickle cell disease can become life-threatening very quickly, continued access to medication must be accompanied by appropriate hydration, nutrition, medical monitoring, and prompt access to hospital-level care should she experience a pain crisis or other complication. I join the Sickle Cell Association of Kentuckiana in respectfully asking the Grayson County Detention Center, ICE officials, Senator Gerald Neal, Congressman Morgan McGarvey, and all appropriate state and federal officials to help ensure that Sarafinah: 🔸️ Continues receiving all prescribed medications and treatments without interruption 🔸️ Receives adequate hydration, nutrition, and appropriate medical monitoring 🔸️ Has immediate access to hospital care if a sickle cell crisis or other emergency occurs 🔸️ Can communicate with her family, legal counsel, and medical providers 🔸️ Is treated humanely and in accordance with appropriate medical-care standards Her family has secured legal representation, and lawmakers are making inquiries on her behalf. I will not speculate about or insert myself into the legal proceedings. My concern is that Sarafinah is treated humanely and receives the care necessary to protect her health and preserve her life. Please keep Sarafinah, her children, and her family lifted in prayer. #PrayForSarafinah #SickleCellDisease #SickleCellWarrior #AccessToCare

We are incredibly grateful to Dontavious Newell and Amanda Tucker-Davis for sharing heartfelt testimonials about the impact of the Warrior on the Rise Scholarship Program. Dontavious reflected on the moment he looked at the cost of attending Clark Atlanta University and realized that the numbers simply did not align with what his family had available. He shared how receiving the scholarship provided meaningful support as he continued his education. Although the cost eventually led him to continue his journey elsewhere, Dontavious remains proud that he can say he attended the illustrious Clark Atlanta University. Today, he is pursuing his education with the goal of becoming a pediatric emergency room nurse and using his experiences as a sickle cell warrior to help others. Amanda shared her gratitude for the MTS Sickle Cell Foundation and the support she has received through the years. The scholarship helped her earn her theology degree, and she has continued to soar higher in her educational journey. Her words were a powerful reminder that the impact of a scholarship extends far beyond financial assistance—it affirms a scholar’s purpose, strengthens their confidence, and reminds them that a community is standing behind them. Thank you, Dontavious and Amanda, for returning to encourage the next generation of scholars. Your stories are living examples of what it means to keep rising. 💙

We are deeply saddened by reports of the death of 17-year-old Mamadou Djouma Bah of Guinea, who lived with sickle cell disease and died after developing complications while in custody. Our hearts are with his family and loved ones during this unimaginable time. Regardless of the circumstances that led to his detention, every person deserves timely, appropriate medical care—especially individuals living with chronic, life-threatening conditions like sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease is not "just pain." A crisis can rapidly become life-threatening without prompt recognition and treatment. Delays in care can have devastating consequences. This tragedy reminds us why: 🔸️Healthcare access must never be compromised because someone is incarcerated. 🔸️Correctional facilities and law enforcement personnel need education on recognizing and responding to sickle cell emergencies. 🔸️Every healthcare provider should understand that sickle cell complications require urgent medical attention. 🔸️Compassion and dignity should remain at the center of care for every person, everywhere. At MTS Sickle Cell Foundation, we continue to advocate for better awareness, equitable healthcare, and systems that recognize the seriousness of sickle cell disease. No family should have to wonder whether their loved one would still be alive had they received the care they needed. #SickleCellDisease #SickleCellAwareness #HealthEquity #MedicalJustice #GlobalHealth SOURCE: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn0nykz6lweo

One of the most powerful moments of our luncheon was the fireside chat, “Navigating Education with Sickle Cell Disease,” featuring Mary Aliche and moderated by Dr. Vivien Sheehan. Mary spoke openly about leaving Georgia to attend college in California during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, completing her first year online, adjusting to life far away from home, and continuing her education while managing pain crises, fatigue, and the realities of living with sickle cell disease. She also shared the difficult experience of having a therapy that was working for her removed from the market—and how she continued moving forward despite that unexpected setback. Her story of resilience, strength, and determination deeply resonated with our scholars and their families. Mary reminded them that the educational journey may not always unfold according to plan, but challenges do not have to end the dream. Dr. Sheehan did a wonderful job guiding the conversation with compassion and insight. The exchange flowed organically and created space for honesty, reflection, encouragement, and hope. Thank you, Mary and Dr. Sheehan, for giving our scholars a conversation they could see themselves in and carry with them long after the event.

For the fifth year, the incomparable LaDonna Jackson brought her warmth, energy, professionalism, and heart to the stage as host of our SCD Youth Empowerment Educational Luncheon. LaDonna has been part of this special event since the beginning, and each year she helps us create an atmosphere where our scholars and families feel welcomed, celebrated, and loved. As a Warrior Mom, actress, advocate, and longtime supporter of the MTS Sickle Cell Foundation, LaDonna understands the heart behind this initiative. Her belief in our mission is reflected in the care and enthusiasm she brings to every moment of the program. LaDonna, thank you for once again guiding us through such a meaningful afternoon and for always showing up for our scholars and the sickle cell community. We are incredibly grateful to have you as our forever host. 💙

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our keynote speaker, Dr. Keisha Renee Callins, for delivering such an inspiring and memorable message during our 5th Annual SCD Youth Empowerment Educational Luncheon. Through her keynote, “Still, We Rise: Soaring for Success,” Dr. Callins reminded our scholars that inspiration can be found all around us when we are willing to see it—and courageous enough to become a source of inspiration for others. She spoke beautifully about the importance of building a village that shows up during both the good times and the difficult ones. Using the powerful image of a hawk adjusting its flight when its wings are compromised, she reminded our scholars that resilience does not mean circumstances are always perfect. It means learning to adapt, continuing to rise, and finding a way to soar despite the challenges. Her message affirmed that our scholars have what it takes to overcome obstacles, pursue their purpose, and succeed—not because they must do it alone, but because they are surrounded by people who believe in them. Thank you, Dr. Callins, for sharing your wisdom, your warmth, and your village with us. Your words left a lasting impression on our scholars, their families, and everyone in attendance.

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