Timeline

 

2002
Children's Sickle Cell Foundation, Inc. began as Project 2022: As an organization specifically and uniquely dedicated to the wellbeing of children with sickle cell disease and their families, what will the impact be in 20 years? This question became the basis for our mission.
September 17, 2002: 1st Official Board Meeting consisting of Parents, Physicians and Community representatives.
"A Global Vision..."
Andrea M. Williams, BA
Founder and Executive Director
Established affiliation with Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC Sickle Cell Program
Newborn Screening Video Project with Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC - "Parent's Guide to Hemoglobin Trait"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xj--iXJYTYI
2003
Project 2022 officially receives a name change and becomes - Children's Sickle Cell Foundation  
1st Fundraiser; Sweet Potato Pie, Cheesecake and Bean Pie Sale - Raised $386  
1st Program started: Family Support Program
A partnership with the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC Family Care Connections in Mount Oliver, PA		  
Gospel Concert held at St. Paul AME Church
2004
Children's Sickle Cell Foundation becomes an incorporated entity in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  
Granted 501 (c) (3) Federal Tax Exempt Organization Status  
Gospel Concert 2 Featuring Min. Dwayne Fulton, Mt. Ararat Baptist Church
New LOGO!
2005
First grant of $6,000 from Birmingham Foundation for Executive Coaching and Capacity Building
Faith-Based Youth Awareness / Outreach Project "Understanding Sickle Cell Trait" with Children's Hospital Sicle Cell Program HRSA Project Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tv9-20BmocI
2006
Pilot of the Educational Support Program and the Learn2Swim Programs, both funded by Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council and supported by RAK Medical.  
Partnership with the YMCA Allegheny is established and becomes the home of the Learn2Swim Pilot Project.
Peer Education Program begins in partnership with YouthPlaces funded by Highmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
2007
Partnership with the Children’s Institute and support via The Pittsburgh Foundation expands the Educational Support and Learn2Swim Programs in a comprehensive Wellness Program called Saturday SMASH4Success. (Stay Motivated, Active, Smart and Healthy)
Educational Support Program expanded to technology component and begins to offer loaner laptops.  
Participated in the development of the Sickle Cell Curriculum for Pittsburgh Public Schools for 6-12 grade Health and Biology classes.
2008
Founder transitions to full time Executive Director
“True Faces of Sickle Cell Anemia” Organizational Video produced in collaboration with Art Institute student , Abeer Saaed
http://vimeo.com/10311762
2009
Legislative Advocacy Luncheon is held at the Westin Hotel
Community Outreach/Screening Programs in partnership with Children’s Hospital of UPMC Sickle Cell Program and University of Pittsburgh Genetics Department begin with the GospelFest in Schenley Park.
1st Motor “Sickle” Ride for Sickle Cell Disease Awareness is held in Highland Park.  
1st Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Day at Kennywood Park
Annual Economic Support Programs are established:
Back2School Bash and Season2Give Holiday gift giving program		  
Dazzle & Denim Event is held at the Pittsburgh Athletic Association.
Honorary Chairpersons, Ryan and Yonka Clark
2010
1st Statewide Advocacy Day in Harrisburg.
With support from State Representative Jake Wheatley.
1st Sickle Cell Disease Awareness WALK at Kennywood Park.
“Sickle Cell Trait: Is it in YOUR Genes?”		  
Developed the Young Adult Transition and Living Well with Sickle Cell® Programs  
Motor “Sickle” Ride for Sickle Cell Disease Awareness.
Pittsburgh Steelers, WR Santonio Holmes attends and helps to encourage the children and parents.
2011
Established a partnership with NeighborWorks for Financial Literacy and Homeownership for families.
2012
Partnership with the Vascular Medicine Institute is established and CSCF becomes the first community based organization for sickle cell disease to establish a research mechanism for supporting research.
Living Well with Sickle Cell™ T-Shirt Campaign Launch.
2013
Living Well with Sickle Cell® is registered trademark of CSCF
Living Well with Sickle Cell®4Transition Center - Inaugural Class - April
100K Campaign Launch – September
2014
Living Well with Sickle Cell® Global Community
ICSCF – International Children’s Sickle Cell Foundation, Inc.
Affiliate structure is launched.
National Advocacy Platform is developed and implemented.
2015

September 14 -- Inaugural Swing for Sickle Cell Celebrity Golf outing, featuring Louis Lipps.

November 1 -- Our own Michael L. Matthews becomes the Executive Director, providing strong leadership and continuity for CSCF.