The MTS Sickle Cell Foundation, Inc., in partnership with My Three Sicklers, Inc., hosted its 8th Annual Holiday Breakfast on December 21, 2024, at the Flint River Community Center in Riverdale, Georgia. This inspiring event brought together advocates, caregivers, and community leaders to celebrate a year of achievements and raise awareness for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).
Mapillar Dahn-Flemister, Founder, CEO, and caregiver of the MTS Sickle Cell Foundation, delivered a heartfelt address, emphasizing the foundation’s mission to support SCD patients and their families. Her dedication to advocacy has made her a driving force behind the foundation's impactful initiatives.
The event also welcomed local leaders Commissioner Demont Davis of Clayton County and City of Lovejoy Councilwoman Rosannette Kirby, who stopped in to share their support. Their presence underscored the importance of community collaboration in addressing the challenges of SCD.
An Engaging Program of Awareness and Hope
Maria More, a seasoned broadcaster and health advocate, hosted the event with poise and passion. Keynote speaker Jimi Olaghere, a CasGevy recipient, inspired attendees by sharing his transformative experience with groundbreaking gene therapy. His advocacy for broader accessibility to these treatments resonated deeply with the audience.
The combination of Maria More’s dynamic hosting and Olaghere’s powerful story created a program that both educated and uplifted attendees.
Celebrating 2024 Accomplishments
The Holiday Breakfast highlighted the foundation’s significant achievements in 2024 under Mapillar Dahn-Flemister’s leadership:
Inaugural Sickle Cell Disease Therapeutics Summit: A five-hour event providing vital information on therapeutic and curative options for SCD patients, caregivers, and advocates.
Warrior on the Rise Scholarship Initiative: The foundation awarded ten $1,000 scholarships to students impacted by SCD, marking the third year of this impactful program.
Hurricane Relief Efforts: In collaboration with the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, the foundation supported families affected by Hurricane Helene.
AccessCard Initiative: A newly launched program providing transportation and nutritional assistance to families living with SCD.
Raising Awareness About Sickle Cell Disease
The breakfast also served as an important platform to educate the community about Sickle Cell Disease. Affecting over 100,000 Americans, SCD disproportionately impacts Black and Brown populations and poses significant health challenges, including chronic pain crises and organ damage. The event highlighted the ongoing need for research, advocacy, and patient support.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As the MTS Sickle Cell Foundation looks toward the future, the 8th Annual Holiday Breakfast stands as a testament to the progress made and the ongoing work needed to improve the lives of those affected by SCD.
For more information about the MTS Sickle Cell Foundation, Inc., and how to support their mission, visit their official website. Together, we can create a brighter future for families impacted by Sickle Cell Disease.
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