To all of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Illinois (SCDAI) consumers, partners, supporters, volunteers, sponsors and donors, thank you for continuing to stand shoulder to shoulder with us to provide a voice and work effortlessly to ensure that Sickle Cell remains at the forefront of medicine!”We are appreciative of our long time supporters and welcome with open arms the new families and friends who have and will continue to join or team. We cannot fight this battle alone. It is our hopes that you will be an active, vocal participant in our support groups and annual events. Everything that we do, we do with the best intentions for our families.” While keeping our eyes locked on the finish line and advancing full speed ahead, we have encountered many hurdles that we had to jump. SCDAI is proud to brag about our annual events as well as our monthly events that are offered in order to implement action to our mission. SCDAI hosts: two annual fundraisers Walk-Jog-Bike-A-Thon (WJBAT) and a Golf Outing; numerous outreach programs/services such as quarterly baby showers for parents of children with Sickle Cell Disease 0-12 months, bi-monthly “FREE” community hemoglobinopathy screenings, monthly advisory and support group meetings, Management of Sickle Cell Disease Conference, Bright Horizons Summer Camp, and a Toy Drive and Christmas party.

Remember, sickle cell is not a hindrance…it is a lifestyle! TaLana Hughes, MPH