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 serves southern California, we are committed to educating and increasing awareness throughout the state of California. Requests for services throughout California 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.

HISTORY

History "Community Call to Action"

• The average person with sickle cell disease was dying in childhood, often of overwhelming infection.
  
• Ten percent of children with sickle cell disease suffered fatal or debilitating strokes.
  
• Many persons with sickle cell disease were burdened with recurrent pain and  chronic pain.
  
• Children were missing a lot of school and adults found it difficult to go to work every day.

The Sickle Cell Disease Research Foundation Answered the Call

• Volunteers started organizing
• Physicians with some understanding wrote brochures for distribution to the community
• A Membership Drive took place from 1957-1960
• Two telethons raised the initial funds to hire staff and the work began

Founded in 1957 as the Sickle Cell Disease Research Foundation (SCDRF) by four African-American physicians, who early in their medical practice were often bombarded with questions about sickle cell disease.

Elmer Anderson, MD
Browning Allen, MD
Theodore Blevins, MD
Wallace C. Marine, MD

The role of the SCDRF in 1967

It is a non-profit organization founded to educate, to inform and to sponsor programs for diagnosis , treatment, and research in sickle cell disease and related disorders. The Foundation plans to give as much medical assistance as possible to victims of this disease. The frequent affliction of more than one member of a family, the chronic nature of the disease, the frequent periods of hospitalizations, and the repeated  blood transfusions that are required often pose serious or overwhelming financial and economic burdens to these families.