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WHAT'S HAPPENED
This quarter, The Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia (SCFG) has been exceptionally busy, tirelessly working to support and advocate for individuals living with sickle cell disease. From organizing awareness campaigns and community outreach events to collaborating with healthcare providers and policymakers, the team has remained focused on driving change and improving patient outcomes. We’ve expanded our support services and educational initiatives and continued our efforts to amplify the voices of those affected by the disease. Every step of the way, the foundation has remained committed to our mission, ensuring that those impacted by sickle cell disease (SCD) receive the care, attention, and advocacy they deserve. We do this because we believe that there is hope in every heartbeat.
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The month of April started off with SCFG’s own Keecilon Wright and Blaze Eppinger being interviewed by Atlanta News First for a story about recent CDC cuts to research and data collection efforts, many of which impact the sickle cell community. They highlighted how these cuts could hinder progress in understanding and treating sickle cell, and emphasized the urgent need for continued investment in data-driven solutions
Click here to see watch the interview
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April also featured the latest installment in SCFG’s Transition Series.
Transition Series, which serves to educate those dealing with sickle cell disease, ages 13 to 25, along with their parents, guardians, and siblings, held its latest event, entitled "Advocacy & Pharmacy 101". During the session, attendees were educated on various medications, and encouraged to be proactive, regarding their health.
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A special thank you goes out to the Atlanta Chapter of The National Epicureans for their generous donation of easter baskets for the children of the sickle cell community.
Organized in 1944, The National Epicureans’ overall purpose is to inspire its members to a high moral, intellectual, social, and civic standing. It also serves to promote and sponsor social, cultural, literary and charitable affairs. Please visit the National Epicureans website for more information about the great work that they do at nationalepicureansinc.org
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In the month of May, Atlanta’s WSB TV produced a hard-hitting story about law enforcement recruits who have died during training. The piece features Patrick Dupree, who had sickle cell trait. He died during the rigorous training to become a Georgia State Patrol officer. SCFG’s CEO, Tabatha McGee, was interviewed for the story.
Click here to see the full story
| | | | The Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia partnered with Discovering Moorer2Life to host the “Men’s Sickle Cell and Mental Health Educational Symposium”. The symposium, which featured SCFG’s Blaze Eppinger and Clayton Andrews as panelists, served as a vital platform for education, collaboration, and advocacy. It brought together professionals, patients, caregivers, and community members, to address the mental health challenges faced by individuals living with sickle cell disease. | | May also featured another SCFG Transition Series event. Entitled, “Wellness Vision Boards”, the attendees created vision boards, outlining their future goals, dreams, and aspirations. | | | | |
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SCFG conducted a Sickle Cell Disease Seminar for Healthcare Providers at City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta, in Newnan, GA. The seminar featured training sessions, testimonies from a caregiver, as well as a 66-year-old male living with sickle cell disease (SCD). The providers were able to get an overview of SCD. They also learned about SCFG's Community Health Worker (CHW) Program, Disease Modifying Therapies, the importance of primary care with sickle cell patients, and protocols for management of SCD in the emergency room. | | |
Tabatha McGee presented, virtually, at the Saturday Science and Medicine Symposium Talk for the EE Just Society, a group of underrepresented scientists/researchers/clinicians involved in sickle cell disease and other blood disorders. The topic of her presentation was alternative/complementary/holistic approaches to sickle cell disease, focusing on the Sickle Cell Sanctuary services.
To learn more about the E.E. Just Society, click here.
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A highlight of the month of June was the one-year anniversary of the opening of The Sickle Cell Sanctuary. The Sanctuary has served as a haven for everyone who has walked through its doors, but especially those with sickle cell disease. The anniversary was celebrated by nearly 100 attendees and featured music, food, and fun for all. Here's to many more anniversaries in the future.
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Also, June featured SCFG’s annual Young Adult Retreat. The weekend retreat is designed for young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 with sickle cell disease. It gives them the opportunity to socialize with others, navigate their healthcare, and more. And it’s all done with plenty of fun activities. | | | | |
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Our friends at Pfizer sponsored June's Transition Series event. This edition was entitled "Sound Bowl Meditation & Healing". The event was designed to teach attendees how to "zone out to reduce stress and become emotionally balanced!"
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SCFG conducted two more Sickle Cell Disease Seminars for Healthcare Providers in June. Hosted at Piedmont Athens Regional and Valley Healthcare System, the seminars featured training sessions, information about SCFG's Community Health Worker (CHW) Program, Disease Modifying Therapies, and more. | | |
Thank you to Brian Goff, CEO of Agios Pharmaceuticals, for his LinkedIn post, reflecting on the impact that SCFG’s Blaze Eppinger’s story has had on him and how that has helped shape Agios’ direction in the sickle cell community. We look forward to great things from Agios in the future, in combatting sickle cell disease
View the post here
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World Sickle Cell Day is a vital opportunity to raise awareness about sickle cell disease. This day highlights the urgent need for better access to care, increased research funding, and greater public understanding of the challenges faced by individuals living with SCD. It also serves to support patients and families, amplify their voices, and promote efforts toward early diagnosis, effective treatment, and ultimately a cure.
For SCFG, the day started with Tabatha McGee participating in an interview with WSB Radio about the importance of the day. Next, in the evening, SCFG hosted its first Prudent Reserve fund raiser. And after the sun went down, buildings across the city of Atlanta, as well as the world's largest airport, Hartfield-Jackson, were lit up in red, to bring awareness to the day.
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The Community Health Workers (CHWs), along with SCFG's Bronaugh Bridges, continuously 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 questions, and offered guidance on treatment at health fairs and community events, attended by well over 1,500 people, with the goal of ensuring that communities across the state are informed and empowered to take action.
Click here to request SCFG's attendance at your next health fair
Click here to request help from a CHW
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Camp New Light is a symbol of hope, resilience, and new opportunities for young boys and girls with sickle cell disease.
Camp New Light, the oldest summer camp for children living with sickle cell disease in Georgia, will be held at the Fortson 4H Campsite in Hampton, Georgia. It provides a week-long, overnight, safe environment for children ages 7 to 17 who are living with sickle cell disease. This transformative summer camp experience is designed to offer adventure, education, and a strong sense of community.
And the date is fast approaching, so visit sicklecellcamp.com today to register.
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Join us on July 26 for the SCFG / My Three Sicklers Back to School Bash.
This year's bash, entitled "The Color In You", will be held from noon to 3pm, and is open to children ages 5-19, with sickle cell disease.
You must be registered to attend. Visit here to register.
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Registration is now open for the 45th Annual SCFG 5K Road Race/Walk! Participants are invited to lace up their sneakers and join us for a meaningful run or walk through the historic streets of downtown East Point, Georgia, on Saturday, September 6, 2025. All participants will receive a finisher’s medal and a race event t-shirt. The racecourse is certified by USATF and the race itself serves as a qualifying event for next year's Peachtree Road Race.
Visit sicklecellrace.com to register.
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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, please fill out the form below.
Click here to request assistance from our Care Bears.
| | Have you seen the new SCFG website? | | |
We’re excited to announce the launch of our newly redesigned website, created with you in mind! The updated site features a fresh, modern look, along with improved navigation and enhanced search functionality, making it easier than ever to find the information and resources you need. Whether you're browsing on a desktop or mobile device, the streamlined layout offers a more intuitive and efficient user experience. This launch marks a significant step forward in our commitment to accessibility, user satisfaction, providing information, and staying connected with the sickle cell community. And this is the first step of many, as the site will continue to grow. We invite you to explore the new site, discover all it has to offer, and provide feedback on the site or anything else you might have on your mind.
Visit the new sicklecellga.org
Let us know what you think
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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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Over 200 people visited the Sickle Cell Sanctuary in the second quarter of 2025 to take advantage of our holistic services. Were you one of them?
If the answer to the question is no, then we invite you to make an appointment to come down for a massage, or to take advantage of our biometric services, herbal treatments and suggestions, hematology care, psychotherapy care, or any of the other services that we offer.
And if the answer is yes to the question, 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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