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our history The History of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America – Michigan Chapter The Passion Continues ​ OUR MISSION​ To maximize the life potential of individuals living with sickle cell disease To enable individuals with sickle cell trait to make informed decisions with respect to family planning. To provide education and testing for the general public ​ SCDAA-MI’s story began in August of 1971 at Kirwood Hospital when renowned pediatrician and sickle cell expert Dr. Charles F. Whitten founded the Sickle Cell Detection and Information Program. The agency’s creation was just one achievement on Dr. Whitten’s lengthy list of accomplishments. In 1956, he’d been selected as clinical director of pediatrics at Detroit Receiving Hospital – the first African American in the role. In 1960, he and Dr. Charles Wright founded the African Medical Education Fund. Nearly a decade later, he instituted Wayne State University’s Post Baccalaureate Enrichment Program after noticing that black students often needed additional preparation for medical school. Then in 1971 he formed the “Sickle Cell Center,” and along with Dorothy Boswell formed the National Association for Sickle Cell Disease (now the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America) that same year. He led the national organization for nearly 20 years. Over its 48 year history, the SCDAA-MI has held fast to its mission of improving the lives of individuals with sickle cell disease. Meanwhile, it has also grown in scope in response to evolving medical and social demands. Still situated on Detroit’s northwest side, in the original building of its founding, the agency completed purchase of its interconnected stretch of buildings in 1990. The structure contains 14 offices, a laboratory where free trait and disease screening is conducted, a conference room, and an educational wing. There is also ample outdoor space for client activities. SCDAA-MI is one of the only community-based organizations in the country responsible for overseeing a state-wide sickle cell program. After Dr. Whitten passed away in 2008, his daughter Wanda Whitten-Shurney, M.D. – a beloved pediatrician as well – stepped away from her role as Director of the Comprehensive Sickle Cell at Clinic Children’s Hospital of Michigan and assumed leadership of SCDAA-MI. Currently its CEO & Medical Director, she continues to steer the agency and manages to carve out time to care for newly-diagnosed infants at CHM as well. Dr. Shurney has been a familiar and caring face to hundreds of families whose children have received their out-patient care from her during her 30-year career. She has worked relentlessly to help kids and their families manage sickle cell, emphasizing education and coping strategies to help individuals enjoy healthier, more active lives. She also a member of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Sickle Cell Advisory Committee . Her passion for sickle cell patients and the people who love them continues. ​ LEARN MORE ​ ​Dr. Charles F. Whitten Black History Month Sickle Cell Pioneers Dr. Whitten's papers acquired by NIH library Dr. Wanda Whitten-Shurney Read more about Dr. Shurney in our media section

about us The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America - Michigan Chapter has been a leader in the sickle cell community since 1971. We are committed to improving the lives of people with sickle cell by keeping our mission at the center of everything we do. ​ OUR HISTORY SICKLE CELL CENTER Our success all started with the vision of Dr. Charles F. Whitten. His daughter Dr. Wanda Whitten-Shurney continues the work. Read More > OUR IMPACT EVERYBODY COUNTS Numbers, numbers, numbers. But here at SCDAA-MI, every statistic represents a real person we fight for every day. Read More > OUR BOARD LEADERSHIP MATTERS Our board members provide mission and operational oversight with passion, dedication, and expertise. Read More > OUR STAFF 200 YEARS The SCDAA-MI staff brings more than 200 years of experience to its mission of changing the world of sickle cell. Read More >

Sickle Cell Disease Association of America - Michigan Chapter Staff Tracie L. Conic, M.A., B.S.W ​Director of Client Services/HIPAA Compliance Officer ​ ​ Tonya Ashwood-Malone Data Manager ​ Khaleeda Robinson, MPH., B.S. Community Health Worker/Patient Advocate Detroit Michael Copeland, B.S. Community Health Worker/Patient Advocate Grand Rapids/Muskegon Area Jessica Williams​ Program Assistant Ben Frazier, B.S.W. Community Health Worker/Patient Advocate Saginaw/Flint Area Melanie Greer, B.S. Community Health Worker/Patient Advocate Benton Harbor/Kalamazoo ​ ​ ​ ​ Craig Bradley Director of Operations & Outreach ​ Darlene Hunt Maintenance/Courier Kristal Johnson-Cobb Administrative Assistant Cree King-Jackson Executive Assistant/Newborn Screening Assistant ​ Clifton Kirkman II Social Media Specialist ​ Jerica McBride, M.A. Education/Career Coordinator ​ Angela McCreary, B.S.W. Community Health Worker/Patient Advocate Lansing/Jackson Area Richard Reed Finance Manager ​ Wanda Whitten-Shurney, M.D. CEO & Medical Director our staff

Thank you 2023 Sponsors for helping us reach our goal!! Sickle cell is a complex biopsychosocial condition affecting every blood vessel, organ, and system in the body. While its severity impacts each individual uniquely, sickle cell’s most common visible presentation is excruciating, unpredictable pain. However, the condition’s less visible complications of continual hemolytic anemia and vascular and organ damage are silent, but life-shortening, ramifications suffered by every individual with sickle cell. To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. SCDAA-MI provides education, assistance, and advocacy for individuals living with and families affected by sickle cell disease. Our services are available throughout Michigan and span lifetime needs. OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN - SHARE - DISCOVER CHEAT CODES STATE OF SICKLE CELL DISEASE EXPLORE TREATMENTS WAYS TO ENGAGE WITH SCDAA-MI NEWS & MEDIA SPONSORS & ALLIANCES QUESTIONS ABOUT HYDROXYUREA WE'RE NOW WORKING REMOTELY TO HELP PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY. PLEASE CALL FOR ASSISTANCE. THANK YOU! DETROIT OFFICE 18516 James Couzens Fwy Detroit, MI 48235 Mon - Fri: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. ​​Special Event Hours as Posted CONTACT US Detroit/SE Mich: (313) 864-4406 or ( 800) 842-0973 Children's Hospital SC Clinic: (313) 745-5613 Sickle Cell Trait Counseling: (313) 864-4406 School/Job Assistance: (313) 595-0541 Email: info@scdaami.org SATELLITE OFFICES Adult Clinic Caseworker: (313) 864-4406 Benton Harbor/Kalamazoo Area: (269) 927-5629 Grand Rapids/Muskegon Area: (616) 788-9816 Jackson/Lansing Area: (517) 249-3528 Saginaw/Flint Area: (989) 372-0256

How to Set Up Your Walk Team Donate/Join/Fundraise Since the Walk is now virtual, registration is optional. You can turn your registration fee into a donation, join/create a team or become a fundraiser. Team Set Up Once you create a team, you'll get an email for page set up. We also have step-by-step instructions here to personalize your page. Sponsor Info Your company sponsorship heightens the visibility of your commitment to social responsibility. The return on investment benefits us all. Vendor/Exhibitor This year we're offering two vendor experiences: Both provide virtual promotion, one also offers limited sponsor benefits. Legacy Warriors Are you a sickle cell warrior who's 40 or older? We invite you to join our Legacy Salute! Sign up here by 9/5 to be included. The annual Sickle Cell Matters Walk brings us new friends and new donors every year. But, we rely on our current supporters to get the word out and introduce our work to others. This year we’ve set targets of 10 major sponsors, 100 fundraisers/teams and 1,000 participants to help us reach our fundraising goal of $100,000. Here’s how you can help us get there. STEP 1 - Donate or join/create a fundraising team To donate: Click the DONATE button at the top of the page . You can then use the arrow to select a specific team to donate to or donate to the overall walk, choose how much you'd like to donate, and whether it will be a one-time or recurring donation. Follow the prompts from there. To join or create a team: Click the JOIN button at the top of the page . You'll then have the option to join an existing team or start your own team. When you join a team, the system automatically creates a fundraising page for you that you can share with others. If you do not want to create your own fundraising campaign, close the popup box and click the donate button instead. To create your own team, you'll need a team/campaign name, fundraising goal (the default is set at $1,000, but you can change that) and a story about your team. The default story is the one used by the overall Walk campaign. From there, you'll follow the prompts to complete team set up. Registration is now optional. If you choose to register, here are the instructions:​ ​ Click register and follow the self-guided instructions to select your tickets (16 & over ($20), child ($10), and young child (free). Enter your buyer and payment info. You’ll be offered the options to fundraise as a team, fundraise as an individual, or continue without fundraising. If you select fundraise as an individual, you’ll need to enter a campaign name and your goal. If you select fundraise as a team, you can choose to join or create team: Join gives you a list of teams you can choose from. To create a team, you need to enter a campaign name (your team name) and your goal. You’ll then be guided to finalize your purchase. This will complete your registration as a Walk participant and team fundraiser. STEP 2 - Customize Your Team Campaign OPTION 1 - You created your team through your Walk registration or by clicking the Join button. ​ You’ll receive email receipts for your payments and a separate email confirming your team set up. To manage your team, you’ll need to click the Manage Campaign button in the email, which takes you to the GoFundMe Charity web page. Sign up for an account using the email you registered with. You’ll then be able to see the campaign – team – you started. Now you can customize your team page and invite others to join your fundraiser as team members. Add photos and videos, personalize your team’s story, and send customized update emails to your team. Tools for Managing Your Team (You'll need to be logged into your account to view this information.) OPTION 2 - You're trying to return to your team page (1) Go to our Walk campaign page on Charity GoFundMe : (a) If you aren’t already logged in, click the graphic in the upper right hand corner of the page. You’ll get a drop-down menu. Click SIGN IN and enter the email and password you used to create your team campaign. From there, go back to the graphic in the upper right hand corner. Click on CAMPAIGNS in the drop-down menu. OR (b) If you’re already logged in, click the graphic in the upper right hand corner of the page. You’ll get a drop-down menu. Click on CAMPAIGNS in the drop down menu. (2) Your team should appear on the page. Click EDIT. A Team Page box will appear. Click EDIT again. (3) Under the tabs you can do the following: CONTENT: you can add photos, video, your story and your goal. Be sure to click SAVE! DESIGN: You can create your Facebook share post by adding a photo and brief text. Be sure to click SAVE! SETTINGS: Will give you the direct URL for your team (e.g. charity.gofundme.com/cue-the-cure), and decide whether you want to allow people on your team to create their own fundraisers, share your campaign, and more. Be sure to click SAVE! You’ll find additional tools to manage your campaign here . (https://charitysupport.gofundme.com/hc/en-us/articles/360035656131-Tools-for-managing-your-teams- ) STEP 3 - Start Fundraising You’ve set your goal, now how to you reach it? Exceed it? ​ Do you work for a company that sponsors events or activities? Offer them the opportunity to support your team or sponsor the Walk . Invite your friends, family members, social groups, clubs, parents of your child’s friends, co-workers, etc., to join your effort. Do you have a skill you can put to work to help raise money? Something you can do virtually while we’re staying home and staying safe? Hustle lessons, tutoring, voice or music instruction, baking (customers can pay you with CashApp or PayPal and pick up items from your porch when they go out grocery shopping or vice versa). Map out your participant strategy. For a $500 team goal, you could target 35 people at $15 each, 25 people at $20 each; 20 people at $25 each; 15 people at $35; 10 people at $50, 5 $100 donors, or one very generous $500 supporter. More than likely, your team will use a variety of donor amounts to reach its goal. Invite five people to (1) each donate $20 and (2) each invite another five people who’ll donate $20, and so on. Hold a shoe size fundraiser: Email friends and family members to donate the amount of their shoe size to join your team. (If you wear a 10, you donate $10, etc.) Use the built-in links to promote your team's campaign on Facebook and Twitter. Check our leaderboard frequently to see how your campaign is doing and what the competition is up to. For additional information, please contact the following SCDAA-MI staff for specific assistance or call (313) 864-4406: Registration or team setup - email Kristal Johnson Sponsorships - email Stefanie Worth Vendor Information - email Tracie Conic

summer camp Our summer camp experience provides a unique opportunity for our children to gain self-confidence and independence. It also helps parents overcome issues of over protectiveness which may occur when raising a child with a chronic illness. Summer Camp North Star Reach Virtual Fall Family Camp North Star Reach is continuing to keep the health and safety of campers, families, staff and volunteers their top priority. Therefore, they are continuing with virtual Camp-at-Home programming this fall for family camps instead of on-site programming. Below is their fall camp schedule, and a brief online registration form is now live at the Camp-At-Home website . ​ ​

sickle cell treatments While there is no universal cure for sickle cell disease (yet), there are several therapeutic approaches to relieve symptoms, reduce complications, and extend life. Early treatment (by eight weeks) by a hematologist is critical for newborns. Beginning a course of prophylactic penicillin at age two months was a historic intervention in changing the course of childhood sickle cell survival. View our Feb. 29th Treatment Workshop where we discussed all the current treatments available to cure sickle cell. CLICK TO PLAY ON FACEBOOK Part 1 with Dr. Wanda Whitten-Shurney (44 mins) CLICK TO PLAY ON FACEBOOK Part 2 with Dr. Ahmar Zaidi (58 mins) The only cure for sickle cell disease is a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. Most sickle cell disease transplants are currently performed in children who have had complications such as strokes, acute chest crises, and recurring pain crises. These transplants usually use a matched donor. Blood and bone marrow transplants are riskier in adults. Read more ​ Medicines can reduce or alleviate symptoms and complications and prolong life. Penicillin In children who have sickle cell disease, taking penicillin two times a day has been shown to reduce the chance of having a severe infection caused by the pneumococcus bacteria. Newborns need to take liquid penicillin. Older children can take tablets. ​ Many doctors will stop prescribing penicillin after a child has reached the age of 5. Some prefer to continue this antibiotic throughout life, particularly if a person has hemoglobin SS or hemoglobin Sβ0 thalassemia, since people who have sickle cell disease are still at risk. All people who have had surgical removal of the spleen, called a splenectomy, or a past infection with pneumococcus should keep taking penicillin throughout life. Hydroxyurea Hydroxyurea is an oral medicine that has been shown to reduce or prevent several sickle cell disease complications. This medicine was studied in patients who have sickle cell disease, because it was known to increase the amount of fetal hemoglobin (hemoglobin F) in the blood. Increased hemoglobin F provides some protection against the effects of hemoglobin S. ​ Watch Dr. Shurney’s animated video about Hydroxyurea and how it works Endari Approved by the FDA for sickle cell use in 2017, Endari is an oral L-glutamine therapy for sickle cell disease and sickle cell thalassemia that reduces the acute complications of sickle cell disease in adults and children 5 years and older. It works by increasing the amount of glutamine in the blood. The added glutamine is taken up by the defective sickle cells, and when metabolized (broken down) results in the release of antioxidants.Common side effects include constipation, nausea, headache, abdominal pain, cough, pain in the extremities, back pain and chest pain. Patient web site Endari co-pay assistance Adakveo In 2019, the FDA also approved a new medicine to reduce the number of pain crises experienced by adults and children 16 years and older who have sickle cell disease. The medicine, which is given through an IV in the vein, helps prevent blood cells from sticking to blood vessel walls and causing blood flow blockage, inflammation, and pain crises. Possible side effects include nausea, joint pain, back pain, and fever. Patient resources web site Downloadable patient brochure ​ Oxbryta The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new medicine in 2019 to treat sickle cell disease in adults and children 12 years and older. The oral medicine prevents red blood cells from forming the sickle shape and binding together. This may decrease the destruction of some red blood cells, which in turn lowers the risk for anemia and improves blood flow to your organs. Possible side effects include headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, and fever. Rarely, allergic reactions may occur, causing rashes, hives, or mild shortness of breath. Talk to your doctor about other medicines you take. Patient web site Caregiver tips Downloadable patient information leaflet Transfusions are often used in acute or preventive situations. Transfusions are administered to treat and prevent certain sickle cell disease complications. These transfusions may include: Acute transfusion to treat complications that cause severe anemia. Doctors may also use transfusions when a patient has an acute stroke, in many cases of acute chest crises, and in multi-organ failure. A patient who has sickle cell disease usually receives blood transfusions before surgery, to prevent complications. Red blood cell transfusions to increase the number of red blood cells and provide normal red blood cells that are more flexible than red blood cells with sickle hemoglobin. Regular or ongoing blood transfusions for people who have had an acute stroke, to reduce the chances of having another stroke. Doctors also recommend blood transfusions for children who have abnormal transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound results, because transfusions can reduce the chance of having a first stroke. ​ There are other treatments for specific complications. Be mindful that not all treatments work for everyone. Some people find success with alternative treatments as well, including medical marijuana (be knowledgeable about legalities that may impact school, work and overall health). To stay as healthy as possible, patients should be sure to get regular medical care that includes a pediatrician (for children) or primary care physician (for adults) and a hematologist and work with them to create the best individual care plan. Patients should also live a healthy lifestyle and avoid triggers that may cause a pain crisis. ​ ​ Page sources: NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, FDA.gov, Endari, Adakveo, Oxbryta ​

Your gift to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America - Michigan Chapter helps ensure that counseling, educational, medical, and basic needs services are addressed for people with sickle cell. By supporting our work, you help improve lives. ​ If you chose to make your gift anonymously, your name will not be listed in any materials where we might recognize donors. ​ You will receive electronic receipts from PayPal Giving Fund. We will email a gift acknowledgement to the name and email address you provided. Thank you for your support! donation confirmation

photo galleries 2019 event gallery 2018 Photo Gallery 2020 Photo Gallery Awareness Campaign Launch Celebrating 43 Years of Helping to Break the Sickle Cycle! The Cynthia Coles Circle 2019 Annual Sickle Cell Benefit Luncheon Saturday, May 18,2019 Guest Speaker Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist III Celebrating World Sickle Cell Day June 19, 2019 Thank you to all of our supporters! The Sickle Strong Empowerment Circle presents its 1st Annual Balloon Release June 19, 2019 World Sickle Cell Day Belle Isle Park Detroit, Michigan

2019 Photo Gallery 2018 Photo Gallery photo galleries Awareness Campaign Launch 2020 event gallery World Sickle Cell Day - Friday, June 19th We asked you to #MaskUp4SickleCell and you did that! From across the country and around the globe Warriors and supporters showed up to share their stories, raise awareness, and push for action. Thank you! (Is your photo missing from our collection? Email it to us!)

Your voice matters in the election process. The representatives we choose make decisions that affect access to healthcare, regional transportation, insurance laws, disability protections, prescription pricing and more. Join us as we speak out on behalf of individuals living with sickle cell and the legislation that affects them. OUR ADVOCACY PARTNERS Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Rare Disease Legislative Advocates Every Day Life Foundation Health Can’t Wait Coalition American Society of Hematology ARE YOU READY TO VOTE? ​ ​ To be eligible to vote in Michigan, you must be: A Michigan resident (at the time you register) and a resident of your city or township for at least 30 days (when you vote) A United States citizen At least 18 years of age (when you vote) Not currently serving a sentence in jail or prison Learn more about voting in Michigan here . ​ Check your voter registration status here . ​ Register online here . Absentee voting “Due to the constitutional amendment passed by voters in 2018, all eligible and registered voters in Michigan may request an absent voter ballot without providing a reason. They can visit their local clerk’s office for an absent voter ballot application or download one at Michigan.gov/Vote ” ​ Michigan ballot drop locations You can take your absentee ballot to the drop box in your jurisdiction and track your ballot through the election process. advocacy & legislation Current issues we’re working on include: ​​ Securing coverage for new sickle cell treatments (We'll keep you posted!) DO YOU KNOW WHO REPRESENTS YOU? You can click here and enter your address to find your local, state and federal elected officials along with their names and contact information. Use the map to see Michigan's legislative districts . World Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Day in Michigan - June 19, 2020 2020 World Sickle Cell Day received legislative support this year as Rep. Ronnie Peterson introduced House Resolution #280 declaring June 19, 2020 as World Sickle Cell Awareness Day in Michigan. Rep. Peterson also introduced a bill to create a sickle cell license plate for Michigan. The bill received outstanding bi-partisan support. ​ We are deeply grateful for these actions from our elected officials and the members of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus who were able to join us at the capital. #BlackPatientLivesMatter Vote

un/re-used elements Our 2020 Sickle Cell Matters Walk features a Warriors dance challenge and a salute to our Legacy Warriors (ages 50 and up). Warrior Stroll #SickleSlideChallenge Be a part of the Warrior Stroll! New this year, the Warrior Stroll features the #SickleSlide dance challenge to open our Walk Day festivities. Warriors of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate in parts that suit their preference. Watch and learn , perfect your style, and post your video using #SickleSlideChallenge. Salute to Legacy Warriors The 2020 Sickle Cell Matters Walk will also feature a tribute to our Legacy Warriors - individuals with sickle cell who'll be 50 years or older as of Dec. 31, 2020. Sign up to be recognized on our web site, in the day-of-event printed program (must be signed up by Sept. 1, 2020), and from the stage during remarks.