Support My Sickle Cell Documentary Project in South Africa
Donation protected
Hello, I’m Deasia Mears, and I live with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). This summer, I have an extraordinary opportunity to travel to Cape Town, South Africa, for two and a half months to volunteer with Ikappa Impact, conduct crucial research on how SCD affects communities there, and work with a nonprofit production company as an intern. Your support will make this journey possible.
My Personal Connection
Living with SCD has shaped who I am today. I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges of this condition. My goal is to take my personal experiences and transform them into meaningful stories that can make a difference for others living with SCD. This trip is an extension of that mission, allowing me to both volunteer and gather data that will contribute to my new documentary project on SCD and its global impact.
The Mission
During my time in South Africa, I will:
- Research SCD prevalence and testing rates in South African communities
- Examine the impact of SCD on children and the healthcare challenges they face
- Gain insight into how healthcare systems in South Africa differ from those in the U.S.
- Volunteer with local healthcare organizations to improve awareness of SCD
- Explore opportunities for collaboration with hospitals and local advocacy groups
- Work as an intern with a nonprofit production company, gaining valuable experience and contributing to impactful media projects
How Your Support Makes This Possible
The funds raised will be used to support:
- Round-trip airfare to Cape Town
- Safe accommodation for two and a half months
- Daily living expenses: food, local transportation, etc.
- Program fees for volunteering with Ikappa Impact
- Research materials and equipment for data collection
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Internship-related travel and accommodation expenses
How This Trip Aligns with My Career and Social Impact
This trip is a critical part of my new documentary project on Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). As part of my Master’s program in Multimedia, Photography, and Design at the Syracuse University Newhouse School, I will be documenting the global impact of SCD through visual storytelling. My goal is to raise awareness and spark change in the way SCD is understood and treated worldwide. While in South Africa, I will:
- Use my skills in visual storytelling to create a documentary that shares narratives about rare diseases like SCD
- Investigate global healthcare disparities, especially in the context of SCD
- Document healthcare challenges that children with SCD face in South Africa
- Explore potential collaborations with healthcare professionals, advocates, and creatives in the fields of healthcare and film
- Expand my global professional network, connecting with advocates, healthcare providers, and creatives across continents
Why This Matters Now
Sickle Cell Disease is often misunderstood and underdiagnosed in many parts of the world, including South Africa. As someone living with this condition, I have a unique perspective that allows me to advocate for better care and raise awareness in a way that is both personal and impactful. Every donation helps me build a bridge between cultures and creates opportunities for meaningful change.
Join My Journey
Whether you can donate, share this campaign, or send words of encouragement, your support is invaluable. Together, we can help raise awareness for SCD globally, empower others living with chronic conditions, and create lasting change.
Thank you for being part of this journey,
Deasia
Organizer
Deasia Mears
Organizer
Syracuse, NY