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The KIS Foundation, Inc.

@kisfoundation

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The KIS Foundation is committed to improving the social health and quality of life for children, adults & families living with Sickle Cell Disease.

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Sickle Cell isn’t just a condition - it’s a daily fight for comfort, stability, and quality of life.

And yet, our Warriors continue to rise and fight battles with strength, resilience, and hope.

Awareness matters. Education matters. Compassion matters.

Live With Knowledge.

#SickleCellAwareness #SickleCell #Genetics #HealthEducation #TheKISFoundation by @kisfoundation

To every Sickle Cell Warrior: Your courage inspires us.

Keep going, keep growing, and keep choosing yourself.

#SCDWarrior #WordsToLiveBy #SickleCellStrong #TheKISFoundation by @kisfoundation

📢 DID YOU KNOW that Sickle Cell Disease is a hereditary blood disorder that causes red blood cells to become rigid and sickle‑shaped, blocking blood flow and triggering SEVERE PAIN. This is called a Sickle Cell Crisiss and it stops oxygen from reaching tissues and organs.

#SickleCellAwareness #SCD #Genetics #HealthEducation #SickleCell by @kisfoundation

The Sickle Cell Foundation of Orange County (@scdfocorg) hosted a powerful Blood Drive in honor of our late beloved Founder, KiKi Shepard. The KIS Foundation proudly showed up to donate blood and help save lives.

We are deeply grateful for the incredible work of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Orange County and their continued impact on improving the lives of Sickle Cell patients and families.

Why blood donation matters: Sickle Cell Disease causes red blood cells to become rigid, sticky, and sickle‑shaped. These damaged cells break down quickly and block blood flow, leading to severe anemia, organ damage, and painful crises. Many Warriors rely on regular blood transfusions to stay healthy, prevent complications, and manage life‑threatening symptoms.

Because Sickle Cell Warriors often need blood that closely matches their unique genetic markers, donors from diverse communities - especially African‑American donors - are urgently needed. A closer match makes transfusions safer and more effective.

Your blood can save a life. It replaces damaged cells with healthy ones, reduces painful episodes, and gives Warriors the strength to keep fighting.

#DonateBlood #BloodForSickleCell #SickleCellAwareness #HealthEducation #SickleCell by @kisfoundation

Sickle Cell Disease is more than a medical condition - it is a daily journey of strength. It’s a hereditary blood disorder that causes red blood cells to become rigid and sickle‑shaped, making it difficult for blood to flow freely through the body. When blood flow is blocked, it can trigger what’s known as a Pain Crisis - sudden, intense pain that can strike anywhere, at any time, and often requires urgent medical care.

#SickleCellAwareness #Genetics #HealthEducation #SickleCell #TheKISFoundation by @kisfoundation

On Saturday, the Sickle Cell Foundation of Orange County hosted a blood drive in recognition of Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month. The event was held in honor of the late Kiki Shepard, who dedicated more than 20 years to advocating for and supporting individuals living with sickle cell disease.
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the KIS Foundation and its Executive Board members, President Andre Dawson, Executive Director Von Gretchen-McAlpin, Deon Reid, Harold Hunt, and Ms. Claire Padmore-Clarke, for not only attending and supporting the event, but also donating blood to help save lives. We are also grateful for our partnership with Cayenne Wellness Center, The Chyld of God Foundation, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated - Orange County Chapter, and HEAAL for their sponsorship and support in making this event a success.
#blooddonation #SickleCellAwareness #SickleCellDisease #giving #savelives
The KIS Foundation, Inc. Health Equity for African Americans League Cayenne Wellness Center and Children’s Foundation
Zeta Psi by @kisfoundation

You may be a Carrier of the Sickle Cell Trait (SCT) and not even know it. One normal hemoglobin gene + one abnormal sickle cell gene = SCT. Stay informed. Stay empowered. Are you Sickle Cell Aware? #SCD #SCT #SickleCellAwareness #Genetics #HealthEducation by @kisfoundation

Sickle Cell Trait can never turn into Sickle Cell Disease. You are born with one or the other.

#SCD #SCT #SickleCellAwareness #Genetics #HealthEducation by @kisfoundation

Understanding the difference between Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and Sickle Cell Trait (SCT) is crucial.

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a serious, lifelong genetic condition where individuals inherit two abnormal hemoglobin genes (or one sickle gene and another abnormal hemoglobin gene). This leads to red blood cells becoming rigid, sticky, and sickle-shaped. Complications can include chronic anemia, blocked blood flow, severe pain crises, and organ damage.

Sickle Cell Trait (SCT), on the other hand, means inheriting only one abnormal sickle cell gene and one normal gene.

#SCD #SCT #SickleCellAwareness #Genetics #HealthEducation by @kisfoundation

Did you know that #KiKiShepard, played a Dance Instructor at #Hillman … the best fictional #HBCU of all time on "A Different World”?

😁 We can't wait to meet the incoming Freshman Class, and see our favorite Alumni.

IRL, KiKi Shepard graduated from Howard University with a BA in Business Administration in the top 10% (ten percent) of her class.

#ADifferentWorld #Netflix @thekikishepard
@glynnturman1 @jadapinkettsmith by @kisfoundation

KiKi Shepard's legacy of compassion and advocacy shines on through The KIS Foundation, Inc. You can Support SCD Warriors with our Crisis Care Backpack Program! Each backpack is filled with essential items not covered by health insurance, offering vital aid during times of need for those battling Sickle Cell Disease. Your gift, no matter how big or small makes a difference. Please visit our website for information on ways to give.

#SickleCellStrong #SickleCellDisease #SCDWarriors #CrisisCare #CommunitySupport by @kisfoundation

KiKi Shepard's 8th Annual Celebrity Golf Classic was a HUGE success! We're still unpacking all of the emotions, the new memories created, and just about everything that happened at this year's tournament. We are so grateful to our amazing Host Byron Scott, and to every golfer, guest, sponsor, vendor, volunteer and media outlet for your love and support of this special event that honored the legacy and impact of @thekikishepard and raised awareness about Sickle Cell Disease. THANK YOU!

#KiKiShepard #ByronScott @officialbyronscott #CelebrityGolf #charityevent #SickleCell by @kisfoundation