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MTS Sickle Cell Foundation Essentials

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

✨ 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

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

📣✨ 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

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

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. ❤️

MT ZION HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND AT SCD BLOOD DRIVE

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

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

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. ❤️

🎤 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

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

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

🎄 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

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

🎉 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

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

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

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

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

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Sickle cell affects more than the blood.