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Mission Statement
The Sickle Cell Disease Foundation of California is committed to providing education
and life-enhancing programs and services to individuals with sickle cell disease, to
broadening public awareness about sickle cell disease and to promoting medical research
and education to ultimately find a cure.
Statement of Purpose
Despite public perception, sickle cell disease still exists and continues to devastate
the lives of so many individuals and their families. Education and public information are
the most effective tools for increasing awareness of sickle cell disease. With television
news and radio waves flooded with information on more popular health issues, sickle cell
disease has been ultimately placed on the back burner. The fact is, this disease was
identified in 1910 and yet many people still do not know enough about its origins and
incidence rate.
In spite of all the challenges and severe lack of financial resources, a handful of
physicians, nurses, researchers and community organizations have dedicated their
professional careers to the fight against sickle cell disease. The dedication and
commitment of these few individuals have brought new hopes for a cure and quality of life
to those affected by this disease. Persons who were once given only a few short years to
live, can now look forward to a fulfilling life and hopes of one day finding a cure.
The issue of sickle cell disease is ever present in communities across the country.
While the SCDFC primarily services greater Los Angeles and its outlying areas, we are
committed to educating and increasing awareness throughout the State of California. Our
presence in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Kern and Fresno Counties has elevated the organization
from a community-based operation to a statewide agency, committed to meeting the needs of
each community. Our cause is not limited to a particular region as sickle cell disease
does not limit itself to a particular region. Sickle cell disease knows no boundaries.
With increasing numbers, this disease is affecting individuals and families from various
ethnic, economic and geographical backgrounds.
Our purpose is on-going and our need is ever present. As long as babies continue to be
born with sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait, there will be a need for our
services. Until there’s a cure, we will continue to serve.
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