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About

About Us

Sick Cells is a national advocacy nonprofit for sickle cell disease (SCD). Originally a documentary project started in 2008, Sick Cells grew to much more and was founded as a 501C3 nonprofit in 2017.

Our Mission

Sick Cells’ mission is to elevate the voices of the SCD community and our stories of resilience. In highlighting the grave disparities our community faces, we will influence decision-makers and propel change.

Our Programs

Ambassador Program

Our diverse network of sickle cell ambassadors meet regularly to discuss the community’s needs, how to best educate our peers, and how to engage in policy at all levels. Learn More

Faces of SCD Storytelling Program

There’s no one face or “look” of SCD, and we’re determined to highlight all of the beauty, challenges and diversity within the community. Learn More

Sick Cells Envisions

that this narrative work will achieve the following:
about-ignite

Ignite

public interest making sickle cell a public health concern

about-humanize

Humanize

SCD, which is a relatively invisible disease that affects people of many races and ethnicities

about-inspire

Inspire

the general public, who do not typically recognize their day-to-day encounters with SCD, to advocate for SCD

about-influence

Influence

policy makers, educators, employers, healthcare administrators and healthcare providers to act to improve treatment and care for the SCD population

about-drive

Drive

research and drug development which will lead to better treatments

about-empower

Empower

the sickle cell community, regardless of hemoglobin type, to share their stories and know that they are not alone

Through these actions, we hope to improve the quality of life and care for people living with the most common genetic disorder by challenging current policy and shifting social norms.

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