My name is Osarumen Eke, and I founded this foundation after witnessing the devastating impact of sickle cell anemia on my family and community. Growing up, I lost many family members and close friends to this disease. It was a pain I thought I understood—until my own child was born with sickle cell anemia.
From the time he turned one year old, he began to experience unbearable pain crises—pain that is difficult to describe or explain. Even though he was born in the United States and had access to advanced medical care, there were moments when his pain was so severe that strong medication had to be administered just to help him survive a crisis.
I later traveled to Nigeria and visited a sickle cell clinic. What I saw changed my life. I met families with two or three children suffering from sickle cell anemia, with little to no government assistance, limited medical care, and no access to adequate pain management or support. Many parents were doing everything they could, yet still losing their children simply because help was not available.
When I returned home, I made a decision. I founded this organization to support families around the world who do not have the same opportunities that were given to my child—families who are fighting every day against sickle cell disease with little hope and few resources. Our mission is to provide care, education, advocacy, and support so that no family has to face this battle alone.
