Uniting Research, Healthcare and Advocacy to Forge a Pain-Free Future.
At the Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research, we believe everyone is born with the right to a long, healthy, and pain-free life.
We elevate groundbreaking research, innovative treatments, and a community of support on behalf of every Sickle Cell Warrior.
THE CURRENT STATE OF
SICKLE CELL DISEASE
1 out of 13
African Americans carry the sickle cell trait.*
100,000+
Americans are affected by sickle cell disease.
42 to 48 years
Average life expectancy of a Sickle Cell Warrior.
1 out of 5
Physicans feel comfortable treating sickle cell disease.
*1 out of every 365 African American births are affected by sickle cell disease
*1 out of every 16,300 Hispanic American births are affected by sickle cell disease
Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder that causes intense pain, serious health complications, and, left untreated, a shorter life span. Sickle Cell Warriors live with daily pain punctuated by pain crises — when misshapen (or sickled) red blood cells stop the healthy flow of blood through their body. A pain crisis requires immediate medical attention. Long and frequent hospital visits make it difficult for Sickle Cell Warriors to progress through school, work, and life’s important moments.
Because the disease is not widely understood or recognized in the medical field, the pain of Sickle Cell Warriors is often disregarded. Though the genetic cause of this disease was discovered in 1910, research on treatments and potential cures have been underfunded.
How The Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research
CHANGES THE CONVERSATION
We envision a future where sickle cell disease is a livable, non-threatening condition.
We fight the battle against sickle cell disease on multiple fronts using a human-centric, community-based, and rigorously scientific approach. Below are the key ways we strive toward a pain-free future.
Journal of Sickle Cell Disease
In partnership with Oxford University Press, we publish the Journal for Sickle Cell Disease, promoting a holistic understanding of the disease, its treatment, and efforts towards a cure.
HOSTING EDUCATIONAL SYMPOSIA
Every year, leading researchers, physicians, service providers, advocates, and Sickle Cell Warriors gather to present research developments, share resources, and learn from one another.
PROVIDING ACCESSIBLE, SPECIALIZED CARE
Our Centers of Excellence are the only standalone sickle cell centers in the United States. They provide all-inclusive care for Sickle Cell Warriors while facilitating ongoing clinical research.
CAPTURING
REAL STORIES
Elevating the voices of Sickle Cell Warriors is crucial to providing better support to this community. Their shared experiences build a foundation of hope and strength.
EDUCATING THE WORKFORCE
We develop Workforce Curriculum to educate doctors, nurses, service providers, and healthcare professionals on the fundamentals of treating Sickle Cell Warriors.
BUILDING A COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT
Monthly donors and members of The Sickle Cell Research Society of America provide the foundation for better treatments and research of sickle cell disease.
Dates for Upcoming Symposia
19th Annual Sickle Cell Disease Research and Educational Symposium & the 46th National Sickle Cell Disease Scientific Meeting
Fort Lauderdale, FL
June 6-8, 2025
Patient Stories
Upcoming Workforce Curriculum
5/20/25
The Latest Advances in Precision Diagnostics, Imaging, and Lab-Based Sickle Cell Disease Monitoring
12:00 PM
5/21/25
Expert Approaches to Comprehensive Sickle Cell Disease in Adult Patients
Target Auidence: Public
2:30 PM
5/23/25
Expert Guidance for Navigating Comprehensive Sickle Cell Disease Care for Pediatric Patients
1:00 PM
6/3/25
Advancing Sickle Cell Disease Care Through Public Health and Community Interventions
1:00 PM
6/11/25
Advocating for Effective Training and Policy to Stimulate Future Research and Innovation for Sickle Cell Disease
1:00 PM
6/17/25
Empowering Patients With Sickle Cell Disease: Expert Approaches to Navigation, Outreach, and Support
6:00 PM
6/23/25
Empowering Patients With Sickle Cell Disease: Expert Approaches to Navigation, Outreach, and Support
6:00 PM
6/25/25
The Latest Advances in Precision Diagnostics, Imaging, and Lab-Based Sickle Cell Disease Monitoring
4:00 PM
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