Sickle Hope · Sickle Life · Sickle Wellness
We are a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the narrative around sickle cell disease — empowering warriors, raising awareness, and building a community rooted in hope, strength, and resilience.
The Face of Sickle Cell Inc. was founded on July 25, 2018 with one powerful mission: to humanize the sickle cell experience. We believe that behind every diagnosis is a warrior — full of life, beauty, and resilience.
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder disproportionately affecting people of African descent. Despite impacting millions worldwide, it remains one of the most underfunded and misunderstood diseases. We are here to change that narrative.
Through our Sickle Model initiative, community events, educational programs, and digital storytelling, we amplify the voices of those living with SCD — showing the world that warriors are beautiful, powerful, and unstoppable.
Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders primarily affecting people of African descent. Understanding it is the first step to supporting those who live with it every day.
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited disorder where red blood cells become hard and crescent-shaped ("sickle-shaped"), blocking blood flow and causing pain, infections, and organ damage.
SCD disproportionately affects people of African descent. Approximately 1 in 365 Black Americans is born with sickle cell disease, and 1 in 13 carries the sickle cell trait.
Treatment includes pain management, blood transfusions, hydroxyurea, and in some cases, bone marrow transplants. Gene therapy is emerging as a promising new frontier.
Sickle-shaped cells can block blood flow in blood vessels, causing sudden, severe pain episodes called "pain crises" or vaso-occlusive episodes — the most common complication of SCD.
SCD is inherited — a child must receive a sickle cell gene from both parents to have the disease. A person with one gene has sickle cell trait but typically doesn't have the disease.
People living with SCD demonstrate extraordinary courage and strength every single day. Our mission is to empower them as warriors — not define them by their diagnosis.
Everything we do is rooted in three core commitments — the same three words that define our mission and our community.
We spread hope by sharing stories of warriors who live, thrive, and inspire despite their diagnosis. Every story shared is a beacon of light for someone newly diagnosed and searching for hope.
We celebrate life in all its fullness. Our programs, events, and community initiatives show that sickle cell warriors live vibrant, beautiful, full lives — on the runway and beyond.
We advocate for better healthcare, medical access, and holistic wellness for the sickle cell community. Wellness is not just physical — it's emotional, social, and spiritual too.
From the runway to the community, our initiatives bring visibility, beauty, and power to the sickle cell story.
Our signature program that revolutionizes the way the world sees sickle cell disease. The Sickle Model is where fashion meets health advocacy — placing warriors on the runway and in the spotlight where they belong.
Knowledge is power. We create and share educational content about sickle cell disease to help warriors, families, and allies understand, support, and advocate for the SCD community.
There are many ways to support the sickle cell community. Every action — no matter how small — makes a difference in the lives of warriors and their families.
Your financial support helps us fund events, education programs, and community outreach for sickle cell warriors.
Donate NowJoin our team of passionate volunteers who are making a real difference at events and in the community.
VolunteerAre you a sickle cell warrior? Your story matters. Share it with our community and inspire others who are on the same journey.
Share StoryFollow us on Instagram, share our content, and use #TheFaceOfSickleCell to help us reach more people.
Follow UsWhether you want to volunteer, partner with us, share your story, or simply ask a question — we'd love to hear from you. Every connection matters.