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WHAT'S HAPPENED
The third quarter of 2025 has been exceptionally busy. The Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia (SCFG) has been working tirelessly on multiple fronts to support the sickle cell warriors. From hosting educational workshops and community health fairs to expanding our outreach programs and advocacy efforts, our team has remained deeply engaged in improving care and raising awareness. Every effort this quarter has been driven by our unwavering commitment to empowering those living with sickle cell disease and strengthening the communities that support them. There is hope in every heartbeat.
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The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) published an op-ed, pinned by Tabatha, in July. The article, entitled "Federal Health Care Cuts Threaten Sickle Cell Disease Progress In Georgia", explains the impact that possible cuts in grant funding would have on research and treatments for those with sickle cell.
Click here to read the article
Click here to see the article, as it appears in the AJC (subscription required)
| The month's highlight was Camp New Light, the oldest summer camp for children living with sickle cell disease in Georgia. Held at the Fortson 4H Campsite in Hampton, Georgia, the yearly event provides a week-long, overnight, safe environment for children ages 7 to 17 who are living with sickle cell disease. | | | | |
July also featured SCFG's annual Back to School Bash. The day was filled with laughter, games, delicious food, and plenty of fun activities that brought smiles to every face. In addition to the festivities, each child received essential school supplies to help them start the new academic year feeling prepared and supported. | | | | |
A message from our sponsor | | | | |
Sickle Cell Awareness Month is observed every September to increase understanding about sickle cell disease. The month is dedicated to educating the public, supporting individuals and families affected by the disease, and advocating for better research, treatment, and care. It also highlights the importance of early diagnosis through newborn screening and ongoing medical management. | |
In honor of Sickle Cell Awareness Month, CBS Atlanta chronicled a day in the life of Jessica Smith, a sickle cell warrior. SCFG's Tabatha McGee was interviewed for the story, and spoke about the travails of warriors that battle with sickle cell. She also encouraged anyone unaware of their sickle cell status, to get tested at The SCFG Headquarters.
Click here to watch the piece
Click here to schedule a test to learn your sickle cell status
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SCFG's Keecilon Wright also moderated a panel in September, entitled Supercells: Unlocking the Power Within Ourselves and Our Communities, at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's 2025 Sickle Cell Education Day. The event featured education sessions, interactive panel discussions, and activities for sickle cell patients, their families, friends and advocates.
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And Speaking of Keecilon, she and Tabatha appeared on WSB TV's People 2 People. The interview focused on Keecilon's journey as a sickle cell warrior, while Tabatha talked about the stigmas that warriors face, and the growth of the Sickle Cell Sanctuary.
Watch the full interview here.
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Tabatha visited The Local Take with Kiplyn Primus on WCLK 91.9 to talk about gene therapy, the importance of testing, Camp New Light, and a number of other topics in the sickle cell universe.
Click here to listen to the full interview
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September also featured the official launch of the highly anticipated, first of its kind, sickle cell talk show, Unveiling Sickle Cell - Beyond The Pain, and the companion podcast, Beyond The Show. The launch was celebrated with a party that included clips from episodes of the talk show, a Q&A session with the cast and crew, and entertainment.
The first three episodes of both the talk show and podcast were released September 26th. Three episodes at a time will be released October 3rd, 10th, and 17th.
Watch the talk show here
Watch the podcast here or Listen to the Audio only
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Tabatha was back on CBS Atlanta, but this time on its Focus Atlanta show. In this interview, she spoke about the importance of Sickle Cell Awareness Month, The Sickle Cell Sanctuary, and the new talk show and podcast.
Watch the interview here
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The 45th Annual Sickle Cell Road Race/Walk was a resounding success, drawing a vibrant crowd of participants, volunteers, and supporters all united for a vital cause. The event not only raised awareness about sickle cell disease but also generated significant proceeds that directly benefit Camp New Light.
Watch the highlight video here
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Tabatha sat down with Dyron Ducati on Kiss 104.1 Atlanta for an engaging interview about her upcoming talk show (Unveiling Sickle Cell - Beyond The Pain) and podcast (Beyond The Show). Invited by Dyron to share her vision, Tabatha spoke passionately about how both platforms aim to raise awareness and provide support for the sickle cell community. During the conversation, she highlighted her mission to amplify the voices of those affected by the disease, offer educational resources, and create a safe space for storytelling and empowerment.
Listen to the interview here.
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On behalf of warriors in Atlanta and the state of Georgia, SCFG would like to extend our heartfelt thank you to Grammy Award-winning artist PJ Morton for making a stop in Atlanta during his Make an Impact: The Sickle Cell Awareness Edition tour. He performed at Atlanta's Tabernacle concert venue and invited SCFG's Alexandra Phillips and Bronaugh Bridges to exhibit, and talk to concert-goers about sickle cell before the show.
Morton's presence and performance helped to shine a much-needed spotlight on sickle cell awareness. We are deeply grateful for his commitment to using his platform to uplift this important cause and support those affected by the disease.
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A message from our sponsor
Cellarity is a biotechnology company based in Massachusetts devoted to finding new discoveries and therapies to treat diseases. Its investigational medicine, CLY-124, is designed to be an oral pill that increases fetal hemoglobin for people with sickle cell disease. CLY-124 is now in an early clinical study and aims to start enrolling people with sickle cell disease by the end of 2025.
The Cellarity team enjoyed participating in the SCFG Road Race this month and is eager to work closely with the sickle cell community to introduce treatments that matter to people and families affected by the disease.
To learn more about Cellarity and our focus in sickle cell disease, please visit: https://cellarity.com/pipeline/
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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 questions, and offered guidance on treatment at health fairs and community events, attended by nearly 1,000 people, 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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SCFG is hosting The Legislative Review and Policy Impact Conference. The two-day conference will provide a deep dive into legislation and policy changes in 2025 that impact access to healthcare, mental health resources, and essential services for individuals facing health challenges, including Sickle Cell Disease.
We will also explore anticipated policy and funding shifts in 2026, assessing their effects on community-based organizations (CBOs), families, and access to care.
Additionally, the free conference will offer case studies, research, and training on best practices in advocacy and outreach, fostering collaboration between CBOs and corporate allies. For more information and to register, visit sicklecellga.org/event-list
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SCFG, in conjunction with DJR Entertainment, present Coming to the Stage - A Night of Comedy Fundraising event.
Join us on October 19th at Perfect Note Atlanta for a night of jokes from some of Atlanta's funniest comics. Doors open at 6pm and the fun starts at 7pm. Come out, laugh loud, and support a great cause.
Tickets are $35. Purchase tickets at bit.ly/scfg-comedy
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Mind Matters is a free, virtual mental health education program designed to empower individuals with the knowledge and necessary tools to support their mental wellness. While not a therapy program, Mind Matters
provides a safe, informative space for
learning about mental health, recognizing signs of conditions such as depression, and exploring common sources of stress in everyday life.
When: 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month, through November 17th
Where: Virtual sessions (link provided upon registration)
Who Can Join: Open to the public (Fulton County residents especially encouraged)
Incentive: Fulton County residents who attend will receive a $25 Visa gift card
Register at sicklecellga.org/mindmatters.
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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 third 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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