Honoring a Legacy. Empowering a Future. Fighting Sickle Cell Disease.

What is Sickle Cell Disease?

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary blood disorder that affects red blood cells, causing them to take on a rigid, sickle-like shape. These cells can block blood flow, leading to severe pain, infections, organ damage, and other serious complications. SCD most commonly affects individuals of African, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, and Indian descent.

How ENJAH-SCF is Driving Awareness

At ENJAH-SCF, our mission is rooted in education, advocacy, and empowerment. We’re working to transform the narrative around sickle cell through impactful programs:

Black Family3

Community Workshops & School Presentations

We host free informational sessions for students, teachers, and local communities to encourage early detection and empathy.

Black family4

Health Fairs & Public Events

Our team organizes events that promote awareness, offer free screenings, and distribute vital educational materials.

BlackHC Providers

Social Media Campaigns & Toolkits

We use digital platforms to reach global audiences, share real stories, and provide downloadable resources for advocates.

Why Awareness Matters

Despite being one of the most common genetic disorders worldwide, sickle cell disease receives significantly less attention and funding compared to other conditions. Awareness helps to:

  • Break the stigma and misinformation surrounding SCD

  • Promote early diagnosis and access to care

  • Inspire public support and legislative action

  • Provide emotional support to affected individuals and families

Donate Now

Quick Facts About SCD

Understanding the Basics Saves Lives

Raising awareness begins with knowledge. These key facts help clarify what SCD is—and isn’t—so we can eliminate myths and promote early action.

How Sickle Cell Disease Is Inherited

How Sickle Cell Disease Is Inherited

Sickle cell disease is passed from parents to children through genes. A child’s chances depend on the type of hemoglobin genes they receive.

2 Genes: Everyone inherits one gene from each parent.

A = Normal, S = Sickle: Combination determines risk.

Parents’ genes: Determine child’s outcome (AA, AS, or SS).

Parent Genes Possible Child Genes Result
AA (normal) + AA (normal) AA Healthy
AA + AS (trait) 50% AA (healthy)
50% AS (trait)		 No disease, but some may carry trait
AS (trait) + AS (trait) 25% AA (healthy)
50% AS (trait)
25% SS (disease)		 1 in 4 chance of disease
AS + SS (disease) 50% AS (trait)
50% SS (disease)		 1 in 2 chance of disease
SS + SS 100% SS All children have disease

Key Points

  • A person with one sickle gene (AS) has the sickle cell trait but usually does not have symptoms.
  • A person must inherit two sickle genes (SS) — one from each parent — to have sickle cell disease.
  • Couples who both carry the trait (AS + AS) have a 25% chance with each pregnancy to have a child with the disease.

No Universal Cure

While treatments exist, there's currently no guaranteed cure—though bone marrow transplants offer hope.

Life With SCD Can Be Fulfilling

With the right care, education, and support, individuals with sickle cell disease can lead long, meaningful lives.

Education Empowers

Understanding the condition helps reduce stigma and builds stronger support systems in schools, families, and workplaces.

Join the Movement

At ENJAH-SCF, we believe that knowledge saves lives. By raising awareness, we give power back to families, patients, and communities. Let’s change the future of sickle cell—together.

Contact Us to host a workshop or request flyers: info@enjah-scf.org

Contact Us