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WHAT'S HAPPENED
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
The Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia (SCFG) closed out the fourth quarter with energy, purpose and an abiding commitment to continue advocating for sickle cell warriors and their families. From grassroots outreach to major advocacy milestones we spent the season uplifting, empowering, and standing alongside those affected by sickle cell disease. As we look ahead to 2026 with renewed purpose, we are reminded by our CEO, Tabatha McGee that “There is hope in every heartbeat."
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Recognizing the power of collaboration, SCFG partnered with the Spelman Health Careers Program to launch our new College Ambassador Program at historic Spelman College. This initiative empowers student leaders to raise awareness about sickle cell disease among peers, faculty, and the wider campus community—strengthening outreach from within one of Atlanta’s most influential institutions.
Read more about the partnership here
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In October, we announced another significant milestone: a groundbreaking partnership with Representative Karlton Howard (D–Augusta), the Richmond County School System, and the Lamar Medical Center. Together, we launched a comprehensive sickle cell provider training and mental health initiative designed to expand care resources across Richmond County.
Watch WRDW Augusta's story about the partnership here
Read the press release here
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SCFG’s CEO, Tabatha McGee, delivered the keynote address at the Sickle Cell Association of Savannah’s 52nd Annual Luncheon. Centered on the theme “The State of Sickle Cell Disease: A Community of Hope and Resilience,” the event highlighted the urgent need for expanded education and community engagement to improve outcomes for individuals living with sickle cell disease.
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Throughout the quarter, SCFG hosted provider training seminars with Atrium Health Navicent Peach, St. Mary’s Health Care System, and the Richmond County School System. These sessions strengthened clinical knowledge and enhanced care strategies, covering topics such as emergency department protocols, pain management, effective coordination, and our Community Health Worker program. | | |
SCFG teamed up with P.F. Chang’s at Cumberland Mall for the Dine for a Cause campaign, where a portion of proceeds supported our programs and services statewide. Community partnerships like these help us continue meeting the needs of warriors and families throughout Georgia.
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One of the highlights of the month was SCFG's inaugural Legislative Review and Policy Impact Conference. The two-day event convened policymakers, healthcare leaders, advocates, and community-based organizations (CBOs) to explore critical legislation and policy developments shaping healthcare access and support for individuals living with chronic health conditions, including Sickle Cell Disease.
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A message from our sponsor | | |
Cellarity is a biotechnology company based in Massachusetts that has developed a new investigational medicine, CLY-124, designed for patients with Sickle Cell Disease. CLY-124 is a once-a-day oral pill being developed to increase fetal hemoglobin now being studied in a phase 1 clinical study. CLY-124 has been studied in more than 60 healthy adults and is now open for patients with sickle cell disease. Cellarity has recently opened a site in Atlanta, CenExel Atlanta, to make this available to patients in Georgia.
If you are interested in connecting with CenExel Atlanta about this study, please contact them at (404) 881-5800.
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In November, Tabatha served as a featured speaker at the inaugural Sick Cells Therapeutics Conference in Washington, DC. Her presentation, “Holistic Care: Expanding on Normative Care,” urged healthcare leaders to consider the full range of support individuals need beyond traditional medical treatment.
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She then opened December as a speaker at the American Society of Hematology’s 67th Annual Conference. Her presentation, “A Holistic Approach: The Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc. & The Sickle Cell Sanctuary,” championed equitable, comprehensive care that addresses the emotional, social, and community well‑being of sickle cell warriors.
| | SCFG’s annual toy drive was a heartwarming success, bringing joy and hope to countless children and families across the community. Hundreds of toys were collected and distributed to children affected by sickle cell disease during the holiday season, ensuring every child felt the spirit of the season. | | SCFG members continue to be recognized for their impactful work and unwavering commitment to the sickle cell community. These recognitions reflect SCFG’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness, strengthen care, and serve as a trusted voice for the sickle cell community. | |
SCFG’s Carla Peterson was acknowledged with the Community Health Worker (CHW) Trailblazer Award at the Georgia CHW Summit. This honor recognizes “a CHW who is an outstanding example of going above and beyond the call of duty,” a description that perfectly captures Carla’s dedication and impact. We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.
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SCFG’s Director of Health Education and Outreach, Bronaugh Bridges, was honored by Atrium Health Navicent as the 2025 Community Champion Award recipient. Bronaugh’s empathy and professionalism have made a meaningful impact across the state of Georgia, and this well-deserved recognition reflects his unwavering commitment to serving the sickle cell community with compassion and excellence.
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Tabatha was honored at the 14th Annual In The Spirit Awards. The awards “were created to recognize and salute great women and men who consistently demonstrate on a daily basis, the epitome of being an awesome individual and a highly respected leader.”
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SCFG’s 4th Annual Gala shimmered with elegance, entertainment and purpose. It was a dazzling evening to remember, celebrating this year’s elegant Diamonds and Tuxedos theme. Guests enjoyed an unforgettable night filled with live musical performances, special awards, lively dancing, and fun for all in attendance. Beyond the glamour, the gala served a powerful purpose, with proceeds directly benefiting sickle cell warriors throughout Georgia and supporting the Foundation’s ongoing mission to enhance their quality of life.
Watch the gala recap video here
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Our Community Health Workers (CHWs), along with SCFG's Bronaugh Bridges, play a pivotal role in raising awareness about sickle cell disease throughout the state, dedicating their time and efforts to educating the public on this important health issue. By organizing and participating in numerous health fairs, the CHWs continue to reach a wide audience, providing vital information about the disease, its symptoms, and ways to support those living with it. Over the past three months, they distributed educational materials, answered community questions, and provided guidance on treatment at health fairs and community events, with the goal of ensuring that communities across the state are informed and empowered to act.
Click here to request SCFG's attendance at your next health fair
Click here to request help from a CHW
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In partnership with local and national advocates, SCFG will host the annual Sickle Cell Day at the Capitol on March 11th. This event unites individuals living with sickle cell disease, their families, providers, and community leaders to advocate for critical awareness, and better overall resources for the sickle cell community.
Held at the Georgia State Capitol, this event brings together people impacted by sickle cell disease with Georgia lawmakers to raise their voices, share personal stories, and discuss the challenges they face. The Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, alongside its partners, aims to foster understanding, provide support, and inspire change by connecting those who need help with the decision-makers who have the power to make a difference.
Register here
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Make sure that you're on the lookout for some other 2026 events...
Young Adult Retreat ....................... June 5-7
Camp New Light ............................. July 19-24
Back To School Bash ..................... July 24
46th Annual Road Race/Walk ........ September 5
5th Annual Black Tie Gala .............. December 12
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Do you need an advocate while you're in the hospital?
The SCFG Care Bears dedicate themselves to ensuring that no patient feels invisible. They work tirelessly at the bedside, listening with empathy, advocating fiercely, and making sure every patient’s voice is heard—especially when they’re too tired or too overwhelmed to speak for themselves.
If you've recently been hospitalized due to complications caused by sickle cell disease, and need assistance from a SCFG Care Bear, click here.
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Your donations play a vital role in transforming the lives of individuals affected by sickle cell disease. These contributions help fund essential services like patient care, genetic counseling, and community education.
Donations enable the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia to provide resources for families navigating the emotional and financial challenges of this chronic condition. By investing in the sickle cell community, you can help close gaps in healthcare access and ensure that those affected receive the support and hope they deserve. Every dollar given moves us closer to a future where sickle cell disease no longer defines anyone’s quality of life.
Click here for a one-time donation
Click here to become a recurring donor
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The Sickle Cell Sanctuary had 365 visits in the fourth quarter of 2025. Did you account for any of them?
If the answer to the question is "no", then we invite you to make an appointment to come and take advantage of all of the other services we offer.
And if the answer to the question is "yes", we want you to come back and see us.
To make an appointment, go to sicklecellsanctuary.com or call 404-755-1641.
Also, keep in mind that you can purchase products and services directly from our shop page at sicklecellsanctuary.com/shop.
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