Hands of Hope Sickle Cell Foundation (Mains d’espoir pour la Drépanocytose) Supporting Families affected by Sickle Cell Disease

I am a #SickleCellWarrior who’s on a mission to make a difference in other less fortunate sickle cell warriors' lives. My goal is to bring helping hands and hope to those affected by Sickle Cell Disease in my home country (Guinea, West Africa).  I have been dealing with Sickle Cell Disease my entire life, not even knowing that’s what I had at first because of lack of education, awareness and early diagnosis.  What is Sickle Cell Disease?  Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited blood disorders where red blood cells, normally round and flexible, become stiff, sticky, and crescent-shaped (like a sickle) due to faulty hemoglobin, causing them to block blood flow, lead to severe pain, anemia, infections, and organ damage).    Growing up in Guinea (West Africa), I didn't have the care I needed for my condition but I was lucky and blessed enough to go to the states and have had the opportunity to receive the best care possible . Last year, I came back home for the first time in nearly 20 years and to my surprise and shock, the conditions of sickle cell warriors have not changed much, if at all so I decided to take the initiative to start a nonprofit as community/humanitarian service to help with whatever I possibly can. I’m starting  this go fund me page to collect funds to help sickle cell warriors like myself and their families back home to gain access to healthcare, early diagnosis, and just regular basic needs so please help spread the word and support. (IG: @handsofhope4sicklecell for updates).  Along with the go fund me, I'll also be taking donations of other stuff that are needed (I'll be sharing a list of items on the IG page).  I’ve met with a doctor in a small sickle cell clinic in Conakry (the capital city of Guinea) that also started as a nonprofit organization that specializes in treating sickle cell patients so all donations will be going towards helping improve the conditions of the clinic, help patients get affordable treatments and medications as well as provide basic daily needs.  Mission Statement for this project:  “Hands of Hope for Sickle Cell Foundation is a community-based nonprofit dedicated to helping improve the lives of individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease in Guinea through education, healthcare access, daily needs, and compassionate humanitarian support.” My goal is 10k as it is a long term commitment but we’re starting small and hopefully grow as we go. No amount is too small; any and all donations are greatly appreciated. You’ll be making a difference in someone’s life.  Thank you all!!! Rama Barry