Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia

AstheExecutiveDirectoroftheSickleCellFoundationofGeorgia,Inc.(SCFG),Iamreachingouttoyouwith aheartfeltrequestforpartnershipinourmissiontocombatsicklecelldisease.

Sicklecelldiseaseaffectsmillionsworldwide,andover18,000inGeorgiacausingtremendoussufferingand impactingindividualsandfamiliesinourcommunityeveryday.SCFGisdedicatedtoprovidingdirect services,support,resources,andadvocacyforthoseaffectedbythischallengingdisease.

Weareimpressedbyyourorganization'scommitmenttosocialresponsibilityandyourdemonstratedtrack recordofmakingameaningfulimpactinthecommunity.Yourvaluesaligncloselywithourown,andwe believethatbyjoiningforces,wecancreateapowerfulalliancetodrivepositivechangeinthelivesofthose livingwithsicklecelldisease.

Yourfinancialassistancewouldenableustoexpandouroutreachprograms,continuehematitecareand sicklecelltesting,enhancepatientsupportservices,furtherresearchefforts,expandourcurrentprograms, andultimatelyimprovethequalityoflifeforindividualsaffectedbysicklecelldisease.Withyour partnership,wecanmakeatangibledifferenceandbringhopetothosefacingthechallengesofthis debilitatingdisease.

Weenvisionacollaborativerelationshipthatgoesbeyondfinancialsupport,onethatallowsustowork togetherclosely,leveragingourcollectivestrengthstomaximizeourimpactonthecommunityYour contributionwillnotonlybenefitthosedirectlyaffectedbysicklecelldiseasebutalsoserveasabeaconof hopeandprogressforfuturegenerations.

Iwouldbehonoredtodiscussthispartnershipopportunitywithyoufurtherandexplorehowwecanwork togethertomakealastingdifferenceinthefightagainstsicklecelldisease.Yoursupportwouldbe invaluabletoourcause,andtogether,wecancreateabrighterandhealthierfutureforall.

Thankyouforconsideringthisrequest.Ilookforwardtothepossibilityofcollaboratingwithyouresteemed organizationandmakingasignificantimpacttogether.

Warmregards,

TabathaMcGee ExecutiveDirector SickleCellFoundationofGeorgia,Inc

Tabatha McGee

A visionary, servant leader, and strong in her faith are a few words most often used to describe Tabatha McGee.

As the Executive Director of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Incorporated (SCFG), her compassionate mission is to ensure the highest quality of life and hope for sickle cell warriors Tabatha works tirelessly to provide resources for living well, clinical services, and volunteer support. She is an innovative leader with an established track record of success in building a robust, resilient organization focused on social good. During her tenure, Tabatha has made significant strides towards the success of the organization, including the opening of a new holistic wellness center, expanding their CLIA-Certified laboratory to provide more extensive testing options for individuals living with sickle cell, and securing groundbreaking grants from the state of Georgia and the federal government of $2 2 million

Since coming to SCFG in 2015, she has served as a volunteer, an independent contractor, and Director of Administration.

As Director of Administration, she managed the organization's information technology, accounting, human resources, and other significant areas within the company On October 1st, 2021, she was appointed Executive Director of the SCFG Under her leadership, she has increased her staff, the nonprofit's revenue increased by 24 percent, and their grants and sponsorships increased by 65 percent.

One of Tabatha's most significant achievements is opening the Sickle Cell Sanctuary, the state's only holistic wellness center for sickle cell clients Its purpose is to treat the whole person through acupuncture, mental health counseling and therapies, infusion, and other holistic services.

Her accomplishments include a partnership with Grady Hospital, where medical staff volunteer to care for children diagnosed with sickle cell disease during a week-long overnight summer camp The hospital sponsors over 150 children and teens living with the disease As the Executive Director, Tabatha tirelessly advocates for legislation to advance treatment and support for sickle cell warriors. She has grown her staff by 50% over three years, thus broadening sickle cell support and care across the state.

Tabatha is committed to giving back to her community. She enjoys volunteering with charitable organizations, gardening, and playing the piano in her free time She is a mother and grandmother dedicated to her family, employees, and individuals living with sickle cell

Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc. is governed by an elected Board of Directors that sets strategic direction and upholds fiduciary responsibilities The Board operates according to established By-Laws. Regular meetings are held quarterly, and special meetings can be scheduled anytime. A quorum is required to take official action. Members are elected to specific terms of service, and some have served for over 30 years 100% of the Board contributes financially to the organization. The Board of Directors for the year ended 31 December 2023 are:

Hon. Chuck M. Douglas, Esq. - Chairman

Manu O Platt, Ph D - Vice Chairman

John Robinson, CTP - Treasurer

Parnell Abraham, Ph.D., Secretary

Hon Marvin S Arrington, Jr , Esq

Hon. Shondeana Crews-Morris, Esq.

Rasean T Hodge, M D

Camille N. Jarman, Esq.

Charles S. Johnson, Esq.

Kent Matlock

Brian D. Poe, Esq.

Bruce O Feinberg, D O

Deidra Marcelle

J. Aleem Hud, Ph.D., QCSW

Anthony C Onyegbula, D O

Emeritus Directors

Henry Aaron

Rudolph E. Jackson

Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia joined the national testing movement in the 1970s

A placard announcing a 1970s Disco fundraiser for sickle cell

More than 50 years ago, the late Drs. Nelson McGhee, Jr. and Delutha H. King, Jr. combined their resources to respond to the dire need of African American children dying before the age of 16 They founded the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc. (SCFG) in 1971. Community leaders, including Hank Aaron, Xernona Clayton, the Souls of Sickle Cell, and Governor Jimmy Carter, joined and supported them

The mission of SCFG is to engage, educate, and energize the community to improve the quality of life for people affected by sickle cell disease (SCD). To achieve its mission, SCFG sponsors educational programs, conducts sickle cell testing, counsels families, supports healthcare providers, and coordinates activities that benefit individuals with SCD throughout the year Over the years, SCFG has forged alliances with governments, corporations, healthcare organizations, advocacy groups, academic institutions, and other nonprofits Today, we serve more than 18,000 Georgians and their families and offer testing, counseling, and other health and nutrition services throughout the state.

Dr. Nelson McGhee, Founder

Dr. Delutha King, Founder

Civil Rights Activist Xernona Clayton and the Souls of Sickle Cell

Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc. (SCFG) is committed to helping thousands of Georgians with sickle cell disease (SCD) and ultimately finding a cure for this painful blood disorder Our funding provides muchneeded services, such as health screenings for sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait.

SCFG is the only community-based organization providing sickle cell education, testing, counseling, and transition services throughout Georgia, which has the nation's fourth-largest sickle cell patient population. SCD affects approximately 100,000 primarily African Americans and millions worldwide. It occurs in one of every 365 Black or African American births About one in 13 Black or African American babies are born with the sickle cell trait (SCT).

Founded in 1971, SCFG works daily with the state of Georgia, medical facilities, sickle cell support groups, physicians, nurses, client services such as housing, food assistance, clinics, social workers, volunteers, and others to deliver medications, medical supplies, and more. Our assets include a mobile unit, a licensed CLIA-certified clinical laboratory with statewide reach, and a sterling reputation. Please help us continue our mission to engage, educate, and energize the community to improve the quality of life for people affected by SCD

OUR MISSION

is to engage, educate, energize the community to improve the quality of life for people affected by Sickle Cell Disease

People who inherit one sickle cell gene and one normal gene have sickle cell trait (SCT). Although people with SCT usually do not have any of the symptoms of sickle cell disease (SCD), they can pass the trait on to their children.

How is SCT Inherited:

• If both parents have SCT, there is a 50% (or 1 in 2) chance that any child of theirs will also have SCT if the child inherits

Your chances of having a child with sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait.

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT

SICKLE CELL DISEASE

1) A child inherits sickle cell disease (SCD) when receiving two sickle cell genes - one from each parent

2). SCD has many faces. The disease affects millions of people worldwide and is especially common among people who come from and whose ancestors come from the following regions highlighted in orange:

3) SCD can be cured for certain patients A bone marrow transplant, which involves collecting healthy cells from a donor’s bone marrow and transferring them to a patient, can cure SCD. However, a bone marrow transplant may not be the best choice for all patients because there are several serious risks A bone marrow transplant expert can advise patients whether it is a good choice for them

4) Sickle cell anemia is one of a group of inherited disorders known as sickle cell disease It affects the shape of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all body parts. Red blood cells are usually round and flexible, moving quickly through blood vessels.

5). Five crucial criteria can help people live well with sickle cell. Find good medical care, get regular checkups, prevent infections, learn healthy habits, look for clinical studies, and get support from the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc.

For more information about SCD, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/sicklecell/healthyliving-living-well.html

Medications - FDA Approved

SCD TREATMENTS

Oxbryta is a medicine used to treat hemolytic anemia (excess breakdown of red blood cells) in patients aged 12 years and older with sickle cell disease. Oxbryta can be given alone or with another medicine for sickle cell disease called hydroxycarbamide. Developer: Pfizer

Endari is an oral L-glutamine therapy by Emmaus Life Sciences for sickle cell anemia and sickle beta-thalassemia, two types of sickle cell disease (SCD). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Endari in July 2017 to treat SCD patients aged five and older. This decision made Endari the first approved treatment for children with sickle cell disease and the first new treatment for adults in almost 20 years. Developer: Emmaus Life Sciences

Hydroxyurea is used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a cancer of the white blood cells. It may also be given together with radiation treatment for head and neck cancer (advanced squamous cell cancer). Hydroxyurea interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which the body eventually destroys.

Hydroxyurea makes red blood cells more flexible, preventing painful episodes and reducing the need for blood transfusions in patients with sickle cell anemia. This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription. Developer: E.R. Squibb & Sons, LLC.

Gene therapies and other treatments: FDA Approved

LYFGENIA is a one-time gene therapy for sickle cell disease in adults 12 or older with a history of vaso-occlusive events. Developer: Blue Bird Bio

CASGEVY is a one-time therapy used to treat people aged 12 years and older with sickle cell disease (SCD) who have frequent vaso-occlusive crises, or VOCs, and beta-thalassemia (β-thalassemia) who need regular blood transfusions. CASGEVY is made specifically for each patient, using the patient's own edited blood stem cells, and increases the production of a particular type of hemoglobin called hemoglobin F (fetal hemoglobin or HbF). Having more HbF increases hemoglobin levels and improves the production and function of red blood cells. This can eliminate VOCs in people with sickle cell disease and eliminate the need for regular blood transfusions in people with beta-thalassemia. Developer: Vertex

A blood transfusion is an effective and proven treatment for some severe complications of sickle cell disease. Blood transfusions reduce the risk of some complications of sickle cell disease and reduce symptoms of severe anemia. Blood transfusion may help prevent a first stroke in children with sickle cell disease.

Reduced-intensity haploidentical bone marrow transplant is a safe, curative therapy suitable for adults with sickle cell disease who also have complications related to their disease, such as organ damage, stroke, or pulmonary hypertension, making it a treatment option for many more patients.

Stem cell transplants offer a potential cure for sickle cell disease. They are usually considered only for those with severe sickle cell disease complications, including repeat strokes, episodes of acute chest syndrome, and painful events.

DID YOU KNOW?

Sickle cell disease has a large and growing global public health significance. Over half a million babies were born with sickle cell disease in 2021 with more than three quarters in countries of sub-Saharan Africa and almost 8 million people were living with sickle cell disease globally

OUR PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

The Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc. (SCFG) is the only nonprofit organization in Georgia that provides many services to individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD). Our signature program is Camp New Hope (CNH), Georgia's oldest summer camp for kids and teens living with sickle cell disease. It is a weeklong residential summer camp for children ages 7 to 17 with sickle cell disease. Certified by the American Camp Association for our quality standards, CNH is the perfect place for young people living with SCD to enjoy a fun educational experience while surrounded by peers who share similar experiences

At CNH, we offer 24/7 medical supervision on-site, ensuring your child is safe and well-cared for during their stay With a wide range of activities to choose from, including hiking, swimming, and zip-lining, your child will have the opportunity to create unforgettable memories and make lifelong friendships Our dedicated counselors and medical staff are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment where every camper can thrive. At SCFG, we are raising awareness about sickle cell disease and the impact it can have on individuals and families As part of our commitment to promoting good health, we encourage everyone to learn more about this condition and the resources available for those affected by it. We look forward to serving our community and helping individuals and families thrive.

We are proud to offer state-licensed laboratory services through SCFG's Clinical Laboratory. The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments certify our laboratory (CLIA), the College of American Pathologists, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. We are committed to providing our clients with informed and accurate test results, helping them make informed decisions.

OUR PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Our Mobile Health Hub provides specialt se (SCD) care in areas of the state with limited or no access to care Our hematologists, registered nurses, and community health workers provide direct care and resources to our patients via our Mobile Health Hub in rural areas in Georgia. On our health hub, we also provide sickle cell testing, education, and follow-up counseling throughout Georgia We proudly partner with Morehouse School of Medicine to provide nationwide training on evidence-based guidelines for managing and treating SCD to non-specialty providers.

We are thrilled to announce the opening of our brand-new state-of-the-art wellness center, The Sickle Cell Sanctuary, which provides top-notch care and support to those living with sickle cell disease in Georgia Our facility is the first of its kind in the state, specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of SCD patients. Our center will offer many services, including proactive care, well-being, infusion, IV hydration, wound care, nutrition and fitness plans, acupuncture, reflexology, massages, biometric scans, mental health counseling and therapies, and wellness plans and coaching Our holistic approach to care, in addition to our Wellness Center, will help our patients lead happier, healthier lives.

While access to care is essential for those living with sickle cell disease, proper nutrition is just as important. At SCFG, we offer eligible clients the opportunity to apply for benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) We understand the importance of proper nutrition and good health, so we are committed to helping individuals and families in need access these benefits. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff are ready and available to assist you in the application process

ACCESS TO CARE SERVICES

Provider Training

In partnership with Morehouse School of Medicine, SCFG provides training on evidence-based guidelines for managing and treating sickle cell disease across the state to healthcare providers.

Transition

SCFG provides a transition program to individuals living with sickle cell disease. Transition is the process of a young adult being assigned to adult care from pediatric care, in which young people with SCD learn to navigate their healthcare needs as adults This program allows for a smoother transition to adult healthcare and adulthood

Care Coordination

The Care Coordination program, started by SCFG in 2015, uses Community Health Workers (CHWs) to provide care and resource coordination for individuals living with sickle cell disease (SCD) and improve health outcomes across Georgia

Sickle Cell Wellness Center

Two thousand twenty-three marks the opening of our new state-of-the-art Holistic Wellness Center, dedicated to persons living with sickle cell disease This facility is the first and only one uniquely designed to serve those with SCD in Georgia. The center specializes in proactive care, well-being, infusions, IV hydration, wound care, nutrition and fitness plans, acupuncture, reflexology, massages, biometric scans, mental health counseling and therapies, and wellness plans and coaching.

EVENTS

Sickle Cell Day at The Capitol

SCFG advocates for the sickle cell community on local and national levels Sickle Cell Day at the Capitol connects individuals with sickle cell disease, their families, and providers with Georgia lawmakers.

Young Adult Transition Retreat

Young adults from across Georgia participate in our weekend Young Adult Retreat The retreat aims to educate young adults living with sickle cell disease on navigating the healthcare system as an adult and to prepare our young adults on how to live well with sickle cell

World Sickle Cell Awareness Day

Each year, SCFG acknowledges World Sickle Cell Awareness Day on June 19th SCFG aims to increase public knowledge of SCD and the challenges experienced by individuals living with SCD, their families, and caregivers

Sickle Cell Road Race/Walk | Concert | Candlelight Vigil

The annual 5k Sickle Cell Road Race/Walk is held on the second Saturday in September

The fundraising event benefits Camp New Hope.

Annual Black-Tie Gala

The annual Gala in December is a fundraiser celebrating our service to the sickle cell community and our accomplishments

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

SCFG’s Executive Director Tabatha McGee received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023 for her leadership and service in and outside the sickle cell community

SCFG received the 2023 Best of Georgia Award under the Best Foundation category, presented by the Georgia Business Journal

In 2023, SCFG was selected as a RICE Award Recipient as Foundation of the Year in recognition of SCFG’s work throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area

For photographs of SCFG in the community visit us on Instagram at @sicklecellga or on Facebook at facebook.com/SickleCellFndofGA

Celebrity Skate Night

Wednesday Wind Down

National Institute of Health @ Georgia Tech

SCFG

Providing programs and services throughout the State of Georgia for more than 50 years!