Our Work
The Sickle Cell Foundation of Orange County stands beside every warrior — in the hospital, at home recovering, and in the classroom — lighting the path forward with compassion and purpose. Our mission is to educate, equip, and empower you to be your BEST self by “living by design, not by diagnosis.”
We are committed to walking with you every step of the way: raising awareness, educating the community about the needs of warriors, and advocating in schools, neighborhoods, and beyond. Together, we build understanding, strengthen support, and create a future where every warrior thrives.
 |
|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
01
KiKi Shepard "Apollo Walk of Fame"
KiKi Shepard—our fearless advocate, passionate warrior, beloved sister, and inspiring ambassador. In 2006, KiKi Shepard founded The KIS Foundation, Inc., transforming her vision into a powerful mission for change. Deeply ingrained in her ethos was the belief that “to whom much is given, much is required,” and she lived this truth with remarkable grace and determination.
KiKi will forever hold a cherished place in our hearts, and we pledge to honor her legacy with action. Let us come together to uplift her family, friends, the sickle cell community, and all whose lives she touched. United, we can ensure that her spirit continues to inspire and shine brightly, making a difference for many more to come.
02
Heartfelt Thank You!
The Sickle Cell Foundation of Orange County would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of our amazing blood donors who came out and donated blood for our blood drive in honor of the late KiKi Shepard.
Your generous donation is truly appreciated and can help save lives. Every donation makes a difference, and we are so grateful for your support of our mission and our community.
A special thank you to Pee Wee, the Sickle Cell Warrior Mascot, for keeping the crowd hyped, energized, and ready to give—even in the extremely hot weather!
Thank you to everyone who showed up, gave generously, and helped us honor Kiki's memory by giving the gift of life.
 |
|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
03
Strengthening Support for Families Living with SCD
The Sickle Cell Foundation of Orange County is proud to partner with Cayenne Wellness Center to bring essential educational support to families, caregivers, and community workers. Together, we are committed to empowering our community with the knowledge needed to obtain, update, and initiate 504 Plans, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Plans.
04
Impact of Your Blood Donation
When you donate blood:
-
You help prevent severe pain episodes
-
You support life‑saving treatments for children and adults
-
You reduce the risk of stroke and organ damage
-
You give families hope and stability
-
You become part of a community that directly uplifts those facing a lifelong condition
Each unit of blood can help multiple patients, and your single act of generosity can ripple into long‑lasting change.
 |
|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |