September 1
It starts with a family.
Families are often the first source of strength, advocacy, comfort, and hope throughout the sickle cell journey.
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#HopeStartsHere
Sickle Cell Awareness Month
Hope Starts Here · September 2026
A September storytelling series
Hope Starts Here.
This Sickle Cell Awareness Month, we are celebrating the people whose care, courage, knowledge, and service turn hope into action.
One question. Many answers.
Hope is where action begins.
Throughout September, we are answering one simple question: Where does hope start? Every few days, we will recognize someone whose compassion, knowledge, courage, or service helps move the sickle cell community forward.
Follow the full series and share each story. Hope is not passive—hope is something we create together.
September social series
Where does hope start?
Eight messages. One growing movement.
Share a new answer every few days.
September 5
It starts with a blood donor.
A single blood donation can support lifesaving transfusion care for people living with sickle cell disease.
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#HopeStartsHere
September 9
It starts with a teacher.
Understanding at school helps children with sickle cell disease feel supported, included, and ready to thrive.
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#HopeStartsHere
September 13
It starts with a nurse.
Compassionate nurses listen, advocate, manage pain, and help families navigate difficult moments.
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#HopeStartsHere
September 17
It starts with a researcher.
Research creates new possibilities—from better treatments to longer, healthier lives and more cures.
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#HopeStartsHere
September 21
It starts with a volunteer.
Volunteers turn care into action by sharing knowledge, supporting events, and strengthening our community.
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#HopeStartsHere
September 25
It starts with a child who dreams beyond sickle cell disease.
Every child deserves a future defined by their gifts—not by a diagnosis.
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#HopeStartsHere
September 30
It starts with all of us.
When families, donors, educators, clinicians, researchers, and neighbors act together, hope becomes change.
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#HopeStartsHere
Sickle cell education
Understanding creates better care.
Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder affecting hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Sickled cells can block blood flow, causing severe pain, anemia, organ damage, and other serious complications.
Learn about sickle cell disease →
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02
Sickle cell disease is inherited.
A person is born with sickle cell disease. It is not contagious and cannot be caught from another person.
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Knowing your trait status matters.
Genetic screening and informed conversations help individuals and families understand their health.
Turn hope into action
There is a place for you.
01
Give
Help fund education, outreach, and support for people and families affected by sickle cell disease.
Donate now → 02Volunteer
Share your time, talent, and care to strengthen programs and community events.
Get involved → 03Learn & share
Use trusted information to replace myths with understanding and advocacy.
Explore education →Our final answer
Where does hope start?
It starts with all of us.
Create action today