Stronger Together: SCMA 2026 First Quarter Impact

SPRING 2026 ISSUE

Stronger Together:

Our 2026 First Quarter Impact

Because every voice matters. Every patient matters. Every life matters.

A Powerful Start to 2026

As we stepped into the new year, Sickle Cell Medical Advocacy Inc. (SCMA) continued to stand at the forefront of education, advocacy, and community empowerment. From community events to national conversations, Q1 has been filled with purpose-driven impact—and we’re just getting started.

FIRST and foremost, we want to say thank you to everyone who has stepped up to support our work so far. Special Thanks to Vertex, Pfizer, and Agios for supporting the movement, even as we look forward to working with Fulcrum and Chiesi (negotiations pending).

We know this work is essential when we hear a patient utter "THANK YOU" with deep gratitude each time we meet (virtually) as they step into the Emergency Department or are admitted to the hospital. We stand with them, our voices pleading with nurses and doctors for better, quicker, compassionate medical management for every client with sickle cell disease that we serve. We are grateful for the trust patients place in us and appreciate their thanks for this free service we offer.

Someone recognizing the value of our work and choosing to support us through sponsorships and other means is significant beyond the financial aspect. We are truly honored to do this work.

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🌍 Community Engagement & Partnerships

In times like these, we see our navigators attending other sickle cell conferences across the country, yet always coming together, knowing they have SCMA in common. SCMA's sickle cell healthcare navigators use these opportunities to network and raise awareness of our advocacy programs that fight for compassionate, high-quality care for patients nationally.

Our advocacy assistance is free of charge to patients living with sickle cell disease.

From left to right are the SCMA Sickle Cell Healthcare Navigators: Suzanne Gordon - SCMA program coordinator, Cynthia Moorer- Founder of Moorer to Life, Phil Okwo, Joycelyn Mitchell, Brenda Green-Founder/CEO of 'B' Strong Group, Carla Coffer, RN-SCMA Medical provider.

Atlanta, GA –

Navigator-Led Event

Our dedicated patient navigators also supported a meaningful community event by an SCMA partner organization, Discovering Moorer to Life. The founder and CEO, Cynthia Moorer, is also an SCMA sickle cell healthcare navigator! This event created a space for connection, education, and support for individuals and families impacted by sickle cell disease. From left to right are: Suzanne Gordon, Sutanna Goode, Phil Okwo, Joycelyn Mitchell, and

Cynthia Moorer- Founder/CEO of Moorer to Life.

Miami, FL –

Supporting Community Wellness

Our sickle cell healthcare navigators traveled to Miami, Florida, to support our new partner organization, Advancing Sickle Cell disease Advocacy Project (ASAP). It was a great time of networking and support at the Prayer Brunch, standing in unity with the community through faith, mutual encouragement, and a shared mission to advocate for those vulnerable among us living with sickle cell disease.

Below, from left to right, are the following navigators: Keiana Griffin, Shelley-Ann Anderson, Vanessa Finch, and Micaela Ferguson along with cofounders Mr. Aniekan and Dr. Simone Uwan, who are also both navigators.

Picture of Ms. Kemba Gosier of ASAP and

Dr. Simone Uwan of SCMA.

Sickle Cell Awareness/ Advocacy outreach table set up during Leadership Summit of Sickle Cell community Consortium in Atlanta, Georgia

💬 Consistent Support That Builds Strength

Touch Hem

(Monthly Prayer Call)

In June 2025, SCMA navigator and evangelist Mrs.Karen Wilson asked that the SCMA community of navigators, patients and caregivers come together in prayer. The response was heartwarming as several asked that it become a regular occurrence. Since then, about 10 months ago, we have gathered on the 7th of every month at 7 PM EST for Touch Hem—a sacred space for prayer, encouragement, and spiritual support. We are inviting everyone concerned to join us in circling our “walls of Jericho“, believing that victory is ours as we lay our lives before God and ask Him to use us to help our community. As is your faith, so shall it be.

EVERYONE IS INVITED.

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Join In Here

Meeting ID: 810 8496 8380

Passcode: 575103

'ME' Time –

Mental Empowerment Sessions

As part of our Patient Education for Prevention (PEP) program, on the last Friday of every month, SCMA hosts Mental Empowerment, or 'ME' Time. These support group sessions are facilitated by Mr. Clayton Andrews, a licensed mental health professional from Andrews Consulting & Family Resource Center, who creates safe spaces for candid expressions, healing, growth, and emotional wellness for all patients and caregivers living with sickle cell disease. Any patient living with sickle cell disease or a caregiver wishing to join us, you are welcome!

To register for the Zoom link, use the form

"Mental Empowerment (ME) Time.

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🏛 Advocacy That Drives Change

Legislative Advocacy Efforts

We actively participated in advocacy alongside Sick Cells, raising our voices to influence policies that impact the sickle cell community. Our asks:

1) Support Senate Bill (S.735) and pass the Sickle Cell Disease Legislation, including 'Sickle Cell Disease and other Heritable Blood Disorders, Research Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act of 2023'.

2) Support Senate bill (S-721), which is the 'Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act'.

Provide funding for Sickle Cell disease programs:

3) Appropriate 25 million for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Sickle Cell Data Collection (SCDC)program.

4) Appropriately $15 million for programs under the HRSA Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Act

📢 Awareness & Education in Action

Dr. Simone and Mr. Aniekan Uwan speak at the event hosted by Sickle Cell Conquerors of Central Florida.

Sickle Cell Conquerors brunch: Dr Simone, Executive Director of SCMA, with speaker Mia Robinson Community liaison from Novo Nordisk.

Community Collaboration in Central Florida

We connected with Sickle Cell Conquerors of Central Florida, where Dr. Simone recalled her powerful lived experience with sickle cell disease. She shared her journey from patient to physician and then patient advocate—bringing both inspiration and education to the forefront.

🎓 What’s Next:

Empowering Patients

We’re excited to commence our

Empowered Patient Training Course beginning May 3rd—Every Sunday evening 6:00-7:30 p.m. EST. This course is designed for adult patients living with sickle cell disease and caregivers with minors. It is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and confidence to advocate for their health care, improve their quality of life, and potentially improve their lifespan. Each graduate is granted a certificate of completion, a uniform that displays 'I Advocate Like A Boss', and several prizes. To enroll, visit www.sicklecellmedicaladvocacy.org and register on the home page!

Looking Ahead

Q1 was just the beginning. With every event, every conversation, and every life we touch, we are building a stronger, more informed, and more empowered sickle cell community.