Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc.

✨ What an incredible night at the 11th Annual Warriors Convention Ball! Our Executive Director, Tabatha McGee, had the honor of presenting an award to the amazing Lakiea Bailey, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Sickle Cell Consortium.✨

We were thrilled to attend such inspiring presentations and engaging talkback sessions at this convention, dedicated to celebrating and supporting sickle cell warriors and caregivers and partners. 💪🏾❤️

Let’s continue to come together, share stories, and empower each other. Together, we can make a difference! ✨

🌟🏕️ Camp Has Officially Begun! 🏕️🌟

Camp New Hope, the ultimate six-day, five-night summer adventure for kids ages 7-17 with sickle cell disease! 🌞 Our mission? To create unforgettable experiences that build independence, boost self-esteem, and spark lifelong friendships.

At Camp New Hope, we blend the thrills of traditional summer camp with specialized care for our campers’ unique health needs. Get ready for a week packed with exciting activities like swimming, canoeing, archery, rock climbing, and arts and crafts! 🎨🏹🏊‍♂️

Our goals at Camp New Hope:
• Forge strong friendships
• Find and lean on support systems
• Build confidence and celebrate achievements
• Foster independence
• Discover strengths and resources for future success

Designed especially for children with sickle cell disease, Camp New Hope is a safe haven where campers can enjoy summer fun while learning self-help and disease management skills. We nurture self-esteem, self-reliance, emotional growth, and creativity. Our campers also gain a deeper appreciation for nature through immersive outdoor activities. 🌲🌳

Our dedicated team of volunteers ensures every camper’s health and safety, treating each child with the care and attention they deserve.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Register now and join us for an unforgettable summer at Camp New Hope! 🏕️🌟

🌟 We're thrilled to be part of the 11th Annual Warriors Convention! 🌟

Join us as we host inspiring presentations and engaging talkback sessions. This convention is dedicated to celebrating and supporting sickle cell warriors, and we're proud to be a sponsor.

Let's come together, share stories, and empower each other. 💪🏾❤️

🙏🏾Special Thanks to LinkedUp Church!

We are thrilled to announce LinkedUp Church as a proud sponsor of Camp New Hope! This year’s camp kicks off on Sunday, July 21st, and we couldn’t be more excited!

Pictured from left to right: Contrina Ray and Cynthia Ray of LinkedUp Church, and Tabatha McGee and Kadeem Harris of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia. The essential items they’ve provided will be used by kids at Camp New Hope.

Camp New Hope is a seven-day, six-night medically supervised residential camp for children ages 7-17 living with sickle cell disease. Our mission is to provide an enriching experience that fosters independence, self-esteem, and friendships. Campers will enjoy all the excitement and fun of a traditional summer camp, along with the unique advantages of an environment and staff attentive to their health needs.

From swimming and canoeing to tennis, climbing, and arts and crafts, our campers will explore various interests at the Fortson 4-H Center in Hampton, Georgia. We’re looking forward to an incredible week of adventure, learning, and growth!

✨Wellness Wednesdays✨
This week, the Sickle Cell Foundation hosted our incredible Ready, Set, Transition education series on “Self-Love and Navigating Interpersonal Relationships” with our amazing Caregivers and Warriors! ❤️

🖌️🎨What Went Down:
Our event was packed with powerful discussions, heartfelt stories, and essential tips on embracing self-love and building strong, healthy relationships. Our caregivers and warriors came together to share experiences, support each other, and learn how to navigate life’s challenges with love and resilience.🖼️

💪🏾Shoutout to Our Caregivers and Advocates:
Our sickle cell caregivers and advocates are the backbone of our community. Their unwavering support and dedication help our warriors live well with sickle cell, making every day a little brighter. We couldn’t do it without you! 🫂

🌟Why It Matters:
Living with sickle cell can be tough, but with the right support system, our warriors can thrive. Our caregivers play a crucial role in this journey, offering love, care, and advocacy that makes all the difference. Let’s give them the recognition they deserve!❤️

📸 Event Highlights:
Swipe to see some amazing moments from our session! 👉🏾👉🏾

📆 Stay Tuned:
We’ve got more exciting events and workshops lined up. Follow us to stay in the loop and join our next empowering session!

🌟Together, We Rise!🌟

📢 Calling All HBCU Students!🏫🩸

Join the fight against Sickle Cell Disease and make a life-saving difference! The Red Cross HBCU Ambassadors are on a mission to raise awareness and drive blood donations across college campuses. 🌟

🚨Why Sickle Cell?🚨
Sickle Cell Disease affects 1 in 365 Black or African-American births. Regular blood donations are crucial for patients who need transfusions to manage this chronic illness. Every drop of blood can bring hope and healing to someone in need. ❤️

🩸How You Can Help🩸
1. Donate Blood:Find a blood drive on your campus or in your community and roll up your sleeve to save a life. Your blood type might be the perfect match for a patient in need.
2. Spread the Word:Share this post, talk to your friends, and use your voice to educate others about the importance of donating blood for Sickle Cell patients.
3. Get Involved:Join the Red Cross HBCU Ambassadors and be a part of our life-saving team. Together, we can make a massive impact across all HBCUs!

📅 Upcoming Blood Drives:
- Check with your campus Red Cross club or visit [Red Cross Blood Drives](https://www.redcrossblood.org) to find a drive near you.
- Follow us for updates on blood drives happening at HBCUs across the country.

💪🏾Let’s Make a Difference Together!💪🏾
Our goal is to collect as many units of blood as possible to support Sickle Cell patients. Your donation can be the difference between life and death for someone battling this disease.

🔗 Learn More & Sign Up:
Visit [Red Cross Sickle Cell Awareness](https://www.redcross.org/sicklecell) for more information on how you can contribute.

✨Be the Change. Be a Hero. Donate Blood.✨

🌿🧘🏾‍♀️Yoga on the Lawn🧘🏾‍♂️🌿
Our very first Sickle Cell Sanctuary Yoga On The Lawn was a huge success!! 🙌🏾Thank you to everyone who joined us and made it an unforgettable evening.

We all enjoyed the many benefits that yoga has to offer, including:
- Improved Flexibility🧘🏾‍♀️🧘🏾‍♂️
- Enhanced Mental Clarity🧠
- Stress Relief😌
- Better Posture🌟
- Increased Strength💪🏾

Join us next week to continue your wellness journey!

📅 Next Session: Thursday, July 18th at 5:30 PM
📍Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia
2391 Benjamin E. Mays Drive, Atlanta, GA 30311

Let’s make every Thursday a time for holistic healing and community connection. See you all next week!

✨ ✨

🧘🏾‍♂️🌿Join Us for Yoga on the Lawn TODAY!🌿🧘🏾‍♀️
✨ This is a FREE event! ✨
Sickle Cell Sanctuary
•HOLISTIC HEALING FOR A BETTER TOMORROW•

📅 Thursday, July 11, 2024
🕠 5:30 - 6:30 PM

📍 2391 Benjamin E. Mays Drive, Atlanta, GA 30311
📞 404-755-1641 EXT 500
📧 [email protected]

✨ This is a FREE event! ✨

Unwind and rejuvenate with an hour of calming yoga on our beautiful lawn. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a beginner, this session is perfect for everyone. Come, relax, and experience holistic healing with us!

Check out my blog post https://wix.to/SYKTg91

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🥳Congratulations to Our July Employee of the Month:
Ms. Keecilon Wright!

We are thrilled to announce that our July Employee of the Month is none other than Ms. Keecilon Wright! Keecilon serves as our dedicated Program Coordinator and is also a certified Sickle Cell Educator and Counselor.

Keecilon, your unwavering commitment and passion shine brightly, illuminating the path for everyone at the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia. Your light has made a profound impact, and we are excited to see the many more ways you will continue to inspire and uplift our community.

We love you, Keecilon, and are incredibly grateful to have you on our team!

Warmest congratulations,

❤️The Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia

📓✏️🎉 Join Us for the BACK TO SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY! 📚✂️🎉

Presented by the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc., My Three Sicklers, and the Sickle Cell Consortium

📅 Date:Friday, July 26th
⏰ Time:12 noon - 4 p.m.
📍 Location:Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc.
2391 Benjamin E. Mays Drive, SW, Atlanta, GA 30311
(In the back of the building)

Get ready for an afternoon of fun, excitement, and community spirit! We’re giving away bookbags, school supplies, and more to kids ages 5 to 18! 🎒✏️📚

‼️RSVP is required for your child living with sickle cell disease.
👉🏾Register by 5 P.M. on Friday, July 19th at www.sicklecellga.org/events

Don’t miss out on this fantastic event! See you there! 🎈

"Our sickle cell warriors were very emotional to see the place and see how beautiful it was, because it's a spa like feeling for them … and it's a place that they can call home."

Executive Director Tabatha McGee recently spoke with about the successful opening of our new Sickle Cell Sanctuary and underscored the importance of the unique space for warriors.
Read the full story today: https://bit.ly/45L2KrF

'Sickle cell warriors' now have a sanctuary in Atlanta The sanctuary specializes in holistic wellness through exercise, massage, stress management and psychotherapy for people living with sickle cell disease.

We are forever thankful when we receive scholarship donations to help a child attend our summer camp for free!
SCFG Boss Lady, Tabatha McGee, is shown here accepting a powerful donation from member Kantrina Stephens! Thank you Lady Kantrina for your unwavering support!
Camp New Hope, established in 1977, is the oldest summer camp in Georgia for children living with sickle cell disease. It is the only camp of its kind across the state that is certified by the American Camper’s Association for quality.
If you know of a child living with SCD between 7-17 years old, this camp is for them!

🍪 Big Thanks to Tiff’s Treats! 🍪
A huge shoutout to for their generous donation of 6 dozen delicious chocolate chip cookies for the young adult retreat! Your sweet support is bringing smiles and joy to everyone here. We appreciate your kindness and contribution to making this event extra special!

Thank you, Tiff’s Treats!

✨ A Heartfelt Thank You to Pfizer! ✨
We are deeply grateful for Pfizer’s diamond-level sponsorship of the Sickle Cell Young Adult Retreat. Your generous support is making a tremendous impact, helping us create a memorable and empowering experience for all attendees.
Thank you, Pfizer, for your commitment to our community!

Empowerment is important for those living with sickle cell, and finding the right resources and tools can help. Pfizer Patient Affairs Liaisons (PALs) connect people living with sickle cell to information and programs made for them. Find your PAL at TogetherForRare.com/find-support.

🌟 More Exciting News! 🌟
We’re thrilled to announce that our Executive Director, Tabatha McGee, received a generous donation from US Air Force Major and member, Ayanna Glenn! 🎉 Ayanna’s personal scholarship contribution will allow a child to attend SCFG’s Camp New Hope for free! Thank you, , for your incredible support!

Camp New Hope, established in 1977, is the oldest summer camp in Georgia for children living with sickle cell disease. It’s the only camp of its kind in the state certified by the American Camp Association for quality. Here, campers engage in exciting activities like canoeing, archery, rock wall climbing, and zip-lining, all under medical supervision.

This transition-focused camp helps children understand and manage their disease, preparing them for the move from pediatric to adult care. Campers can relax, learn healthy habits, and connect with peers who understand their journey. With a 24-hour infirmary and dedicated medical staff, we ensure a safe and supportive environment. Many of our volunteer counselors are young adults with sickle cell, serving as inspiring role models.

Join us in celebrating this wonderful donation and the difference it will make in a child’s life! ❤️

🌟 It All Started with a Vision! 🌟

Meet our beautiful Executive Director, Ms. Tabatha McGee. After experiencing a debilitating heart attack and stroke, Tabatha discovered the healing power of a holistic approach. Driven by her love to serve the sickle cell community, she envisioned a wellness center as an aid to traditional medicines, helping those affected by SCD to truly “Live Well with Sickle Cell.”

Today, on World Sickle Cell Day, we proudly celebrate the realization of that vision: the Sickle Cell Sanctuary Holistic Wellness Center.

We at the Sickle Cell Foundation of GA & the Sickle Cell Sanctuary love you all and are committed to listening to the needs of our warriors.❣️

🥳Happy World🌍Sickle Cell Day!❣️

We are thrilled to announce that today marks not only World Sickle Cell Day but also yesterday was the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of our Sickle Cell Sanctuary Holistic Wellness Center! 🎉

Our Sickle Cell Sanctuary is the first-ever holistic wellness center designed especially with our Sickle Cell Warriors in mind. However, it’s open to everyone to experience the incredible services and amenities we have to offer.

Join us in celebrating this monumental occasion and the incredible journey ahead!
Visit www. GAWellness.com🌟

🌟 Overwhelmed with Joy and Gratitude! 🌟

The Staff of the Sickle Cell Foundation of GA & The Sickle Cell Sanctuary would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out yesterday to support the grand opening of our Sickle Cell Sanctuary Holistic Wellness Center. The grand opening was everything we could have imagined and more! We couldn’t have done this without you all.

We have so much more to come! Continue to follow us on all social media platforms and visit http://www.GAWellness.com to schedule your appointments for services at our brand-new Sickle Cell Sanctuary.

We Love You! ❤️

🌟 A huge thank you to the incredible staff at the Sickle Cell Foundation of GA for making our Resource Fair a huge success! 🌟

Your dedication and hard work ensured that parents and caregivers received invaluable information about gene therapy. From the insightful sessions to the generous gift cards and exciting door prizes, every detail was perfect.

We are so grateful for your support and commitment to our community. Together, we are making a difference! 🙌🏾❤️

🌟 Happy 1-Year Anniversary, Tiffaney! 🌟
Join us in celebrating Tiffaney, one of our incredible Community Health Workers serving the Columbus area. Tiffaney goes above and beyond to support the sickle cell community, and we are so blessed to have her as part of the Sickle Cell Foundation of GA family.

Happy Anniversary, Tiffaney! We love you! ❤️

‼️Parents and Caregivers‼️We’re Here until 3pm
We invite you to join us at our Resource Fair, where we aim to provide you with comprehensive information and insights into the realm of gene therapy. This event offers a prime opportunity for you to have all your inquiries addressed, enabling you to make well-informed decisions regarding gene therapy.

Our Resource Fair will feature esteemed community resource vendors who will be present to offer invaluable guidance and support. Moreover, to add to the excitement, we are thrilled to announce that the first 25 registered attendees will receive $25 gift cards, along with numerous door prizes and other surprises awaiting you.

Don’t miss out on this exceptional opportunity to engage with experts, access vital resources, and connect with like-minded individuals. Register now for this complimentary event at www.sicklecellga.org/events.

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, June 15th
Time:
- Resource Fair: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Venue: ArtXchange, 2148 Newnan Street, East Point, GA 30344

We eagerly anticipate your participation and look forward to welcoming you to this enriching event.

‼️Parents and Caregivers‼️
We invite you to join us at our upcoming Resource Fair, where we aim to provide you with comprehensive information and insights into the realm of gene therapy. This event offers a prime opportunity for you to have all your inquiries addressed, enabling you to make well-informed decisions regarding gene therapy.

Our Resource Fair will feature esteemed community resource vendors who will be present to offer invaluable guidance and support. Moreover, to add to the excitement, we are thrilled to announce that the first 25 registered attendees will receive $25 gift cards, along with numerous door prizes and other surprises awaiting you.

Don’t miss out on this exceptional opportunity to engage with experts, access vital resources, and connect with like-minded individuals. Register now for this complimentary event at www.sicklecellga.org/events.

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, June 15th
Time:
- Resource Fair: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Venue: ArtXchange, 2148 Newnan Street, East Point, GA 30344

We eagerly anticipate your participation and look forward to welcoming you to this enriching event.

We’re kicking off Wellness Wednesday in the best way possible! Big shoutout to Keisha Lancelin of Focus Atlanta & Atlanta 69 WUPA-TV for featuring us on their health segment! 🌟 If you missed it, catch the replay here: https://youtu.be/EJCvvj3al1Y?feature=shared 🎥.

Don’t forget, our grand opening is at 10am on June 18th! 🎊 See you there! 💪🏾❤️

Focus Atlanta - Health The Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia announces the grand opening of the Georgia "Sickle Cell Sanctuary".

🚨 ANOTHER Exciting News Alert! 🚨

🗞️📺Huge thanks to Andrew Tyree & Alive 11 for spotlighting the Sickle Cell Sanctuary of Holistic Wellness!

Mark your calendars: Grand Opening on June 18th, 2024! This is a groundbreaking moment for our sickle cell community.

Catch the full story here:

https://www.11alive.com/video/entertainment/television/programs/atlanta-and-company/the-new-georgia-sickle-cell-sanctuary/85-8253470f-9aad-4c08-83dd-1ad63ec90bcd

For more info on the wellness center, visit: GA Wellness(https://www.gawellness.com) 🌿

The New Georgia Sickle Cell Sanctuary Providing holistic care and mental health services for Georgia's sickle cell warriors. | PAID CONTENT

📽️🗞️ Exclusive Interview with Victoria Gray and WSB-TV 2! 📺🗞️

If you missed out, it’s not too late to check out our exclusive interview with Victoria Gray! Gray became the first patient to be treated for sickle cell disease using CRISPR, an experimental gene-editing technique. Our executive director, Tabatha McGee, discussed this groundbreaking therapy shortly after two treatments were approved by the FDA in December.

During the interview, McGee highlighted the significance of these advancements while acknowledging ongoing concerns within the sickle cell community. Today, Victoria Gray is symptom-free, with some calling it a cure.

The FDA's approval of CRISPR and another therapy, LYFGENIA, on December 8th, sent shockwaves throughout the sickle cell community. For decades, sickle cell research has lagged behind other diseases, making these breakthroughs particularly momentous.

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder marked by defective hemoglobin, which inhibits the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen. Sickle cells tend to stick together, blocking small blood vessels and causing painful and damaging complications. The average life expectancy for those with SCD is 42–47 years, significantly shorter than the general population. Over 16,000 Georgians suffer from sickle cell disease, with more than 100,000 in the U.S. and millions worldwide.

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, June 19th, World Sickle Cell Awareness Day. Stay tuned to our social media channels and website for more updates and to watch this powerful interview that sheds light on the future of sickle cell treatments and the ongoing fight for a cure.

Visit our website to watch the interview and learn more about the impact of these new therapies on the sickle cell community. Together, we can make a difference!

New hope for those living with Sickle Cell Disease thanks to experimental gene treatment A Sickle Cell Disease patient discusses how a new gene therapy is giving her hope for the future.

Your involvement leaves footprints of positive change that resonate for generations to come. 🌟💖

Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia is committed to IMPACT. Join us as we continue to make an impact in the world, make your donation today: https://sicklecellga.networkforgood.com/projects/186116-2023-annual-campaign

Be part of our foundation's success by supporting us: https://sicklecellga.networkforgood.com/projects/186116-2023-annual-campaign