Faqs
FaQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mission of your movement?
Our mission is to raise awareness about sickle cell, equip families and communities with clear, practical education, and advance health equity so that care is informed, timely, and compassionate. We do this through community workshops, youth mentorship, provider education, and partnerships that translate research into tools people can use. While our roots are in Minneapolis, our work now spans the nation and includes global partnerships that help us share resources, data insights, and training models across borders.
How can I get involved?
You can make a difference by volunteering at events, offering professional skills, or mentoring youth through our HERo Circle programs. Sharing Mikayla’s story and our educational materials on your platforms helps amplify awareness, and donations sustain family toolkits, school trainings, and research-aligned projects. If you represent a school, clinic, company, or nonprofit—here or abroad—we welcome collaboration to bring our education model to more communities.
Where are you located?
We are based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. From this home base, we lead initiatives across the Twin Cities and the United States, and we collaborate with international partners to exchange educational resources and strengthen community support worldwide. Our goal is to ensure families, providers, and educators—wherever they are—can access accurate, culturally responsive information.
How are donations used?
Donations fund the work families see and feel: community education sessions, caregiver and student toolkits, provider in-service trainings, and youth mentorship opportunities. Your support also strengthens our partnerships with hospitals, universities, and global organizations so that research findings become plain-language guides, infographics, and best-practice checklists that improve daily care and long-term outcomes.
How do I request a speaker or workshop?
To request a speaker or training, contact us with your audience, preferred dates, and goals. We tailor sessions for schools, churches, clinics, and community groups, covering topics such as understanding pain crises, care coordination and 504 planning for students, caregiver advocacy skills, and equity-centered communication for providers. We also participate in international forums and can adapt content for global partners. Use the Contact page or our Contact Form to get started.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. Contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. After you give, you will receive an email receipt for your records, and recurring donors receive an annual summary to make tax filing easier. If you need a duplicate receipt or have questions about employer matching, our team is happy to help.
How can I become a volunteer?
Reach out through our Contact Us page with your interests and availability, and we will match you with opportunities such as event support, youth mentorship, outreach, or digital education campaigns. Volunteers also help us build global connections by sharing resources with partner organizations and participating in cross-community learning exchanges.
Do you lobby or engage in political advocacy?
Our focus is education and awareness. We do not lobby. Instead, we equip families, educators, and providers with accurate information and practical tools, and we collaborate with community and global partners to elevate understanding and improve experiences of care through training, storytelling, and resource development.
What makes your approach different?
We center lived experience and translate complex information into clear steps that families, schools, and clinics can act on immediately. Mikayla’s story guides our tone and priorities, while our national and global partnerships ensure that what we teach reflects current evidence, real-world practice, and the cultural contexts where families live.
What resources do you provide directly to families?
Families can access plain-language toolkits that include crisis preparation checklists, school coordination guides, and hospital communication tips. We also host workshops for caregivers and connect families with support networks in their area. Our goal is to make sure families feel prepared, informed, and never alone.
How do schools and teachers get support?
We partner with schools to provide trainings for educators, coaches, and administrators so they understand how to support students living with sickle cell. We offer resources for creating effective 504 plans, strategies for reducing school absences, and practical tips for keeping students engaged in class and activities safely.
Can I set up a recurring donation or employer match?
Yes. Recurring donations are one of the most powerful ways to sustain our programs, and many employers will match your gift. Setting up monthly giving ensures families and youth programs are supported year-round. If you need help arranging a match, contact us and we will guide you through the process.
Do you accept in-kind gifts or sponsorships?
Absolutely. In-kind donations such as event space, professional services, or supplies are welcome, and corporate sponsorships help us expand our reach. If you or your organization would like to contribute in this way, please email us with details so we can align your gift with program needs.
How do your global partnerships work?
We share educational tools, resources, and training models with partners in other countries, and in turn, we learn from their strategies and experiences. This exchange strengthens families, providers, and advocates worldwide. Our global partnerships prove that while challenges may differ by country, the solutions grow stronger when communities learn from one another.
Can I invite Mikayla or your team to speak at my event?
Yes. Mikayla’s story is a powerful teaching tool, and members of our team are available for panels, conferences, and awareness events. Please submit a request through our Contact page with details about your event, timeline, and goals, and we will follow up promptly.