Shanavia's Dream
Sickle Cell Organization
“Together, we can make a difference”
click here to
"On a mission to bring
awareness about Sickle Cell to our communities”
As of Janurary 2024, SDSCO is now in partnership with SCMA!
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As of July 2024, SDSCO is now in partnership with North Central Family Medicine (NCFM) Sickle Cell Support Group. NCFM is a Federally Qualified Health Center based in Rock Hill, South Carolina. It serves over 10,000 patients annually, with 69% between the ages of 18 and 64 and nearly 73% from racial minorities.
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How Can We Help?
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All About SDSCO
Shanavia’s Dream Sickle Cell Organization is a non-profit organization created in February 2023 to assist those with the disease in small/rural communities. The goals of the organization include assistance with pain management, childcare while receiving treatment, transportation, and accessing resources not directly offered by the organization. This non-profit was created in memory of the late Shanavia Wright of Mcclellanville, SC where the first building is scheduled to be operated.
Meet our
Warriors!!!
Meet Jordynn
Jordynn Is SDSCO’s ambassador. she is a warrior and we are proud to have her alongside our team!
there will be more to come from her soon!
Meet omari!
Hello, my name is Omari Thomas, and I am nine years old. I live with sickle hemoglobin C, also known as type SC sickle cell disease. I was diagnosed with this condition when I was just two months old. Despite the challenges, my journey has been filled with blessings. I am incredibly grateful for the support of my friends and family. I proudly identify as a sickle cell warrior.
meet janay!
“Hello! I'm Janay, 29 year old with SS sickle cell disease. It's tough. Since I was a little girl I missed out on many things during the winter and summer season, especially going out to the pool or beach. It's either getting dehydrated and not warm enough never in between that will send me into immediate crisis. Over the years I've learned my own ways to cope with this disease and 1 of them is having a strong support system. Through all the difficulties I was able to give birth to a healthy baby boy who is now 5. He's my motivation to keep going even on the days I can't get out of bed because I know I have someone depending on me. I'm on career path in the healthcare world working as a CMA. One of my biggest strengths is being a nurturer, soon I will be a RN and my desire is to work with sickle cell patients in the hospital setting.”
meet Jaedyn!!
I’m a little shy to tell my story just nervous Hello, My Name is Jaedyn Gibson I'm 18 yrs old the owner of JaeBakeez. Local Young Baker In the Georgetown community. We serve sweet treats and flour-based food baked in the oven such as cakes pies jars, cupcakes, etc. I'm a self-taught baker. #YoungBoss! I'm a sickle-cell warrior, entrepreneur, philanthropist, baby-sitter, and honor roll student.
My journey to being an entrepreneur started when I was homebound. I wanted to do something that took my pain away so I started to bake in my mom's kitchen. After I have gotten compliments from so many people, I decided that I wanted to make more of what people were asking for. I marketed my business on Facebook and got raving fans. My signature desserts are known to be sold within 30 minutes. My peach cobbler with a twist among many have customers coming back for more.
I babysit, tutor, and even encourages my baby sister to do the same. Myself is not only a successful teenager but also an honor roll student I have a dream of becoming a doctor for sickle-cell patients.
https://www.arichlife.co/podcast/jaebakez
https://www.postandcourier.com/georgetown/community/local-girl-buys-meals-for-first-responders-essential-workers/article_a0cd90ec-9f74-58d1-b947-81122da5429d.html
Business Page: JaeBakeez
IF NOT YOU THEN WHO 💕👩🏽⚕️
Dr. Jaedyn IN THE MAKING ❤️💕
Sickle Cell Warrior❤️
Optimism Preventive Services ~ Vice President🧡
National Honors Society 💕
Delta Gems ❤️
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People~ Youth Board Vice President
Mary B Thomas Girls-secretary
YOU CAN DONATE TO MY BUSINESS 💓
Meet Aiyana!
She is 11 years old, and will be 12 on 8/15. She was born at 26 weeks at 2lbs 2oz. While in the NICU she was diagnosed with Sickle Cell type SS. For a long time it has been pretty good for Aiyana. Hospital stays was only because she was sick with 101 fever. 2 1/2 years ago Aiyana had a stroke that made her go back to a 4 yr old level. She was also left with partial of her eye sight. This past March she had another stroke but very minor. Due to the strokes we are looking into gene therapy and bone marrow transplant for a cure. I always thought she couldn't do sports like track, but with monitoring and getting to know her body we are easing into it bit by bit. Aiyana has been loving it, and doing very well. She's my Shero for sure.
Meet Shakeel aka Shaq!
To know him IS to love him! There’s absolutely no way you don’t love his life! When I say break out in a praise and worship whenever he is and don’t care who’s around!
On today, September 4th of Sickle Cell Awareness month we honor you Shaq Williams! Know that we love you and appreciate you for every testimony and praise, every song that you have lifted our lives with even when you were going through as well. You kept the Faith and God favors you! Warriors strong!
“Nobody knows my story but me and GOD!”- Shaq
He wanted his picture with this song! His testimony!!!
If you would love to bless him, his cash app is
$Shekeelwilliams32
meet tyrese!
“My name is Tyrese, I'm 24 years old. I have sickle cell disease and have faced numerous challenges with it throughout my life, but I refuse to let it hold me back from my daily activities or the goals I want to achieve. In my career as a welder, it can be tough dealing with SCD. Working longs hours of strenuous work sometimes causes a crisis. Despite the difficulties, I remain determined to live my life to the fullest and continue pursuing my passions and career. I won’t let sickle cell disease define me or limit what I can achieve. My resilience and determination keep me pushing forward, no matter the challenges.”
Meet Markeyese!!!
“I have sickle child by the name of Markeyese Samuel. He is 4 years old born October 9 2019 at tidelands health in Georgetown SC. He has been battling with SS sickle cell disease since birth. He has been hospitalized numerous times since and has had 4 blood transfusion but that don’t stop him from being the warrior he is. He still has a long more journey to go and with prayers we pray that he will be a walking testimony and healed from this disease. He is also cared for by many other love ones of my family along with myself his mother and his grandmother Catrina peeler and great aunt DEZ Blake”
meet dreylan!!!
“Dreylan Holmes is wonderful 14-year-old, sickle cell thriver in Columbia, SC. He recently began his high school career at Ridge View High School, home of the Blazers!
Dreylan is extremely loving and compassionate. He enjoys family time, playing sports such as basketball and football, swimming, fishing, hunting, drawing, cars, shopping (especially for shoes) and taking trips to the beach. He absolutely loves the water. His favorite subjects in school are math and science, where he excels in both. Dreylan was diagnosed at around 4 weeks old with Sickle Cell Anemia, Hemoglobin Type SS. Throughout his lifetime, he has had countless hospital admissions and several blood transfusions: the first admission at only 7 months old and his first transfusion at 9 months old. In March of 2023, Dreylan experienced one of the most challenging events to date. After being discharged from the hospital, recovering from Acute Chest Syndrome, Dreylan was back in the ED less than 24 hours later. He suffered a first onset seizure which led to visual impairment for 2 days and a stay in the PICU. He received 6 units of blood over the course of 10 days. Through it all, he bounced back like the champion he is.
Dreylan is indeed a warrior, as he does not allow his illness to limit him. His resilience and “push through” spirit are a coupleof his many admirable characteristics. Dreylan tends to remind his mom during trials to remain in “Beast Mode” (drawing inspiration from one of his football idols). Dreylan is an advocate for sickle cell and has been featured alongside his mom on The CBS Evening News with Nora O’Donnell and Good Morning America. Dreylan was one of four warriors who inspired an exclusive digital artwork by artivist Nikkolas Smith, entitled “Transfusion.” Dreylan was featured as the face of the Red Cross’ 2023 Fall Launch: Joined by Blood Initiative video and featured on the 2024 Instagram Live Teen Summit Panel. He was also the guest panelist for the 2023 Tiffany Circle Summit in Washington DC, where he got the opportunity to join the stage with Olympic Gold Medalist, Dominique Dawes. Just recently, he had the honor of throwing the first pitch at the Charleston Riverdogs Game highlighting Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Dre has also been featured on various local news, radio, and podcasts, and is the muse behind his own future advocacy organization.
Dreylan has plans of pursuing sports medicine and hopes to one day own his own clothing line. In the meantime, he enjoys being a teenager and spreading awareness about sickle cell disease.”
MEET KEIOSHA!!!
Living with SCA!
My name is Keiosha L Pinckney and I have Sickle Cell type SS. To tell you a little about myself let’s get 1 thing clear, “ I HAVE SICKLE CELL, SICKLE CELL DOES NOT HAVE ME!!! Having sickle cell people love to tell you what you can and cannot do. Doctors first told me I wouldn’t see 16 then it was my 20s but I write this at the beautiful age of 36! Ain’t God SOOOO Good! He is the ONLY author and finisher of my story!! You can’t play sports but yet I thrived at basketball and softball from middle to high school. Don’t get me wrong, yes it was very challenging at times but I never gave up and never will. They told me I shouldn’t go to college, graduating high school was a big accomplishment and enough. Challenge accepted! I received my Bachelor’s of Science degree in Sport Management with a concentration of Business Administration with a 3.7 GPA from the illustrious HBCU Claflin University! I then went to SouthEastern University a received my degree and license in Massage Therapy! Yes it was hard and very challenging but yet so rewarding because I did this, I pushed myself. During these years, Everyday I fight and Everyday I Win is my motto that was awakened and born to me. I recite and live by this everyday along with, “Pray about everything and Worry about nothing!” I currently am a full time musician. I play the drums, percussion, bass guitar, and piano/keyboard. Music is my peace, my sanctuary, where I go to when I have my rough days with SC. Where words fail, music speaks! I play for a church full time and I’ve been blessed to have travel some as well. Everyday is a blessing and testament on how good God has been to me. LIVING (key word) living with this disease is no walk in the park and has its challenges physically, emotionally, and mentally. We warriors have been chosen for a reason I believe. Some people see SCA as a burden but I see it as a privilege and testament for someone else. But I definitely wouldn’t wish this on anyone. One minute you’re fine and the next you’re in a full blown Crisis. I wake up every day and thank God for my reasonable portion of health and strength! Even though I have this chronic pain I still find myself abundantly blessed. Even though awareness about this disease is far from where it needs to be we have 1 month but we live with this 365 days of the year! But this is where we start. We have to start somewhere so we can be heard. Explain to people how a typical day is living with SCA. Tell them how important it is to give blood, how many people can be help through your 1 donation of blood. Educate them, answer any questions they might have. Let them see what we go through every day of our lives. I’ll admit I wasn’t always open about my disease I didn’t want to talk about it or anything. But times have changed and so have I! Please continue to help spread awareness about SCA. We need all the support, help and resources we can get. September/ Sickletember is our month but SCA is our Life 365!
Thank you so much Keosha for everything that you’ve done and doing! I thank you for thinking of me, to share a glimpse of my life. Thank you for full-filling and breathing life into your sister dream that is now a reality! She IS proud of you and so are all the Sickle Warriors and Soulja’s!
meet remi!
“This is Remi Chanel, she is one years old born on November 4th. She is the most feisty but sweetest little person you'll ever meet. Remi is very energetic and outgoing. She loves to show everyone her dance moves, eat and boss you around because she's a big girl! Remi was born with sickle cell disease due to the sickle cell trait that runs on both sides of her family. Remi is so outgoing and friendly when she wants to be everyone says she's an old soul! Overall she’s happy and playful with a big personality & always staying strong fighting the sickle cell disease!”
MEET LOGHAN!!!
“I’m 8yr old Logahn Beauford. I’m a Sickle Cell SS Warrior. I love to Dance, Sing, Cheer, Make YouTube videos, make TikTok videos, Shopping( especially TEMU AND SHEIN) , Swimming, Enjoy time with family and friends, I enjoy Sunday school and church service, I enjoy looking to cook family recipes with my mom, I love learning to bake with my Grandma, I love attending football and basketball games with my Dad. I want to be a pediatrician when I get older.”
MEET KEMARI!
“I’m 16-year-old Kemari Beauford. I’m a Sickle Cell SS Warrior. I’m currently a high school senior. I love sports, but due to double hip surgery at the age of 13, I was unable to continue playing sports. So I enjoy watching basketball and football games (Rec, H.S., College, and Pro) with my dad, learning to cook with my mom, fishing and hunting with my dad, swimming, going out with friends, and family events. When I grow up, I want to be the BEST underwater welder in the world.”
meet taylor!
“Taylor Renee is 7 yrs old, she was diagnosed with Sickle Beta + Thalassemia at 10 weeks old. She’s a patient at the sickle cell clinic at Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital in Charleston and is a part of the “I Am What’s Possible Kids Foundation” where they hold several events throughout the year to fundraise for various childhood diseases. Taylor is a 2nd grader, her favorite subject in school is Math, she loves her dog Nala, eating snacks, and watching YouTube. When she grows up, Taylor wishes to become a Dentist.”
MEET AMAYA!!
My name is Amaya wise and I'm from Goose Creek, SC
My sickle cell was never real to me till i got into my teen years. I remember after graduating high school i was always in a hospital. I've had doctors turn me away or hospitals not want to give me my pain plan and i just remember crying all night wondering why they didn't want to help me.
There's been many times where i wanted to be where my big sister is right now, just so i didn't have to deal with it anymore. But today I'm happy to say that I'm still here and fighting it only for me but for Nyasia Wise and Candi Oree.
Honoring
Honoring
aNGEL WARRIOR
meet trevor!
1990-2010
“Trevor Goss..lost his battle at the age of 19 in 2010. He loved hunting and fishing and love to make people laugh. He had 3 strokes by the age of 4 and overcame his struggles. His sister Ismenda Goss was his best friend and they were very close!”
ANGEL WARRIOR
MEET NYASIA!!!
Nyasia was a beautiful 23 year old that loved everyone . She's had to battle her sickle cell since childhood but she became a nail tech while going through her trials.
Nyasia was always asking herself why her and why won't they be nice to us and help us (talking about doctors). Nyasia had many doctors tell her that they wasn't going to help her and even had one doctor at MUSC tell her she wasn't wasting a bed on her just because she was in pain. But Nyasia stayed strong and never let what those doctors said make her give up. She was a fighter and she's the reason her little sister Amaya has a better doctor and care plan. Nyasia may be resting but her name will live on forever! For we will say the name
Nyasia Sade Wise
Angel Warrior
Stachelle Shackleford
January 23, 1991-april 12, 2024
Hi my name is Stachelle (Stacey) Shackleford. I'm 33 years old and was born and raised in Georgetown, SC. I have two siblings and I'm the middle child. Out of the 3 of us God chose me to be the warrior to fight Sickle Cell Anemia (Type SS). I have a beautiful daughter who makes everyday worth waking up and fighting through. I've undergone many surgeries, blood transfusions, hospital stays, and hospital scares. Doctors had given up on me several times but God had other plans for my life! My dream is to be a voice for other warriors who may feel alone. I want to love and support others the way my family loves and supports me. One thing I want others to know about sickle cell is our outside doesn't always reflect the pain, strain, and weakness we are experiencing inside. A message to warrior family members: You all are soldiers fighting alongside us in this battle everyday. Although we may not express it much, we are forever grateful for each of you because we don't fight alone.
ANGEL WARRIOR
meet raheem!!!
He was an awesome person and an amazing Father.
rest in paradise- from your best friend Sasha
Meet our team!
In June of 2021 I didn’t know much about Sickle Cell, but I did know that this disease did take the life of someone I loved dearly. My 21 year old sister Shanavia Wright. In February 2023, I stepped out on faith, quit my full-time job as a traveling phlebotomist to start a nonprofit in her memory. We have helped many families around the community with our resources. I am a 31 year old veteran of Mcclellanville, SC. Helpng warriors and their families are my passion.
Keosha Garrett
President
vice presideNT
Vesha Jamison
Vesha Jamison is an avid leader and supporter in the Sickle Cell arena. Her passion in advocacy began in 2010 after the birth her son, Dreylan, who was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Anemia (Hbg SS). Since then, she has worked tirelessly to spread awareness. He is her WHY!
Currently, Vesha serves as the Sickle Cell Account Manager for the state of South Carolina with the American Red Cross, and she has been with the company since August of 2021. Vesha also serves on the South Carolina Sickle Cell Disease Advocacy Team, the Sick Cells Ambassadors’ Team, National Association of Community Health Workers, and a board member and volunteer for several advocacy organizations. Her 12 years of community outreach and persistent efforts to sound the alarm and bring Sickle Cell Disease to the forefront, has allowed her to be able to speak on many platforms locally and also nationally. Vesha and her son have made impressions by being featured on the CBS Evening News with Nora O’Donnell and Good Morning America and currently the face of the American Red Cross’ Fall Launch: Joined by Blood. In addition, she conjunctively works with other moms, sickle cell warriors, advocacy partners, medical professionals, and community organizations. Vesha uses that experience to build long term partnerships by educating others on sickle cell disease and the importance of blood donation in the black and African American community. Her motto is ”They fight every day, and so should we.”
Patrrice simmons
Secretary
Patrice M. Simmons a native of the Tibwin section of McClellanville, SC, is an Mother, community advocate and presents over 19 years of hospitality, food and beverage, administrative, human resource, clerical and management experience. Patrice specializes in training and operations management. Patrice is a powerful force in the workplace and uses her positive attitude and tireless work ethic to encourage and lead others to work hard and succeed. Patrice is inspired daily by her daughter to be the best at anything that she does.
William Garrett iii
TEAM member
Shawn Garrett is a Certified Community Health Worker for Tidelands Health. He has been employed with Tidelands Health for over 16 years and holds an Associates Degree in Medical Assisting. Mr. Garrett currently is studying at Liberty University working towards his Bachelor's Degree in Human Services. He currently serves as a Board Member for the State of South Carolina Community Health Worker Association and is an Ambassador for the State of South Carolina with the University of South Carolina Public Health Center for Community Health Alignment. Mr. Garrett also is a Certified Pre-Diabetes Prevention Coach in the community. In Mr. Garrett's spare time he mentors children and teens in Georgetown County as well as advocates for his community to bring more resources to the area. He currently resides in Georgetown, SC with his family.
Kia Daniels
Board Member
Takia (Kia) Daniels is a Certified Community Health Worker at Tidelands Health where she has been employed for over 13 years. She is currently pursuing a degree in Health and Human Services at Ultimate Medical Academy. Mrs. Daniels is a certified lifestyle coach for the Diabetes Prevention Program and a practitioner for the Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) in her community. She also serves as a board member for The Salvation Army, President of Georgetown County Foster Parents Association, Foster Parent Advisory Board for South Carolina, and a member of the Georgetown County Early Learning Council. Mrs. Daniels has been married to Christopher Daniels for 12 years. They have one son and are therapeutic foster parents.
sHANTESKIA bRYANT
bOARD Member
Shanteskia Bryant Is a licensed practical nurse at Grand Strand Pediatrics and Adolescence Medicine. She has been employed there for five years and training new hires for three years. Shanteskia is currently pursuing her associates and applied science at Horry Georgetown Technical College to obtain her RN and go on to become a nurse practitioner. Shanteskia pride herself on having an open mind to learn more and the ability to relate. She currently resides in Conway, South Carolina with her husband of 10 years and two children.
sHEKIA gARRETT
TEAM Member
Shekia Garrett is a native of Mcclellanville, SC. She is also the first cousin of Shanavia Wright, whom the foundation was created in memory of. Ms. Garrett hold a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Arizona, while pursing her masters in Public Health with a concentration in epidemiology. Shekia is a member of the Yellow Belt Project improvement program at the local veterans hospital and also the SC Chamber of commerce healthcare committee. When’s she not busy being a mother to her daughter, she is actively working within her community and workplace to help make improvements within healthcare.
Shalissa Manigault
bOARD Member
SDSCO’s
1st Annual Gala
2nd Annual In Memory of Shanavia Sickle Cell Awareness Day Event and Blood Drive
06-10-2023
JUNE 5, 2023
THE CITY OF MCCLELLANVILLE GRANTED JUNE 10TH
(SHANAVIA'S BIRTHDAY)
OF EVERY YEAR "IN MEMORY OF SHANAVIA SICKLE CELL AWAENESS DAY" IN THE CITY OF MCCLELLANVILLE,SC.
NETWORKING IN
THE COMMUNITY!
OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS HONORING
WORLD SICKLE CELL DAY 2023
A LETTER TO MY SISTER..
SHANAVIA WORDS CANT DESCRIBE THE HURT, PAIN, & EMPTINESS I FEEL IN MY HEART.. I MISS YOU SO MUCH BABYGIRL.. I JUST KEEP THE GOOD MEMORIES CLOSE TO MY HEART.. IM GONNA CONTINUE THIS FIGHT THE WAY YOU WOULD HAVE WANTED ME TO... I DONT WISH THIS PAIN ON ANYONE.. ONE DAY I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN AND I WILL HUG YOU SOOO TIGHT AND NEVER LET GO.. SOME DAYS ARE HARDER THAN OTHERS BUT EVERYDAY I MISS YOU.. THE LONGER THE TIME.. THE MORE MISSING YOU HURTS.. THEY SAY TIME HEALS ALL WOUNDS BUT MAN DID THEY LIE.. AS THE TEARS FALL ONTO MY KEYBOARD AS I TYPE THIS LETTER I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT IM GONNA KEEP YOUR NAME ALIVE AND HELP ALL WARRIORS ALL AROUND THE WORLD SHANAVIA.. I CANT WAIT TO SEE YOU AGAIN.. BUT NOT TOO SOON.. I MUST COMPLETE THIS TASK GOD HAS FOR ME IN YOUR NAME I LOVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE YOU.. SEE YOU LATER...
"ITS BEEN A LONG DAY WITHOUT YOU MY FRIEND.. ILL TELL YOU ALL ABOUT IT WHEN I SEE YOU AGAIN..."