Sickle Cell Foundation of Orange County

03/18/2026

Today, we at the Sickle Cell Foundation of Orange County invite you to join us in honoring the incredible legacy of 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’s unwavering support for those affected by sickle cell disease is truly inspiring. She battled relentlessly to ensure that every family was treated with the dignity they deserve and that every warrior received the urgent care they desperately needed in emergency rooms. Moreover, she leveraged her celebrity status to shine a spotlight on the sickle cell community, advocating passionately for critical funding and access to essential resources.

Let us thank God for sending us a remarkable figure like KiKi, who fought for equality, humanity, and the rights of those who could not speak for themselves. Her passing has profoundly impacted our community, and we will always cherish what she has done for us.

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.

01/01/2026

On behalf of The Sickle Cell Foundation of Orange County, we wholeheartedly wish you a year filled with vibrant health, answered prayers, extraordinary miracles, and abundant blessings.

May this New Year bring you the divine favor you deserve. Wishing you a truly, Happy New Year!

12/25/2025

Thank you for supporting The Sickle Cell Foundation of Orange County. We are excited about the upcoming year and the activities we have planned. Stay connected with us on Instagram to remain informed and up-to-date at all times!

Merry Christmas!
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12/24/2025

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who played a part in making The Sickle Cell Foundation of Orange County and The KIS Foundation Annual Holiday Giveaway, "Jingle and Mingle," a resounding success! On behalf of KiKi Shepard and myself, we extend our deepest thanks to our brother, Byron Scott, and his remarkable wife, Gutirrez-Scott, for their steadfast support of our sickle cell warriors.
We are truly thankful for the opportunity to support families across Orange County, the Inland Empire, San Diego County, San Bernardino County, and Los Angeles County. This remarkable collaboration has made a significant difference in our communities, and we couldn't be more excited about the positive impact we’ve created together!
We also want to acknowledge our dedicated board members for their commitment and service. To the amazing volunteers who brought this event to life, thank you for your hard work and passion. A special shout-out goes to Toys for Tots Seal Beach for their invaluable contributions, as well as the Chyld of God Foundation for their generous donation of televisions and electronics. We couldn't have done this without our incredible sponsors:
Your support truly makes a difference. Together, we are making an impact in the lives of those affected by sickle cell disease!

05/24/2024

Exciting news! 🎓

The Pfizer Sickle Cell Scholarship Program is open for applications; the deadline is May 31, 2024!

If you're a student living with sickle cell, this is your chance to get financial support for your education. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Pfizer will be awarding:

✨ Sixteen $2,500 college scholarships (including vocational/trade schools)
✨ Two $5,000 graduate scholarships

Don't miss out on this opportunity to pursue your academic dreams!

https://www.togetherforrare.com/scholarships?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3qxhuU2x2JZz63Ux6zQo9LaevISs4CAYqPSBWTDHMH3Lmxioh4B9I_6aA_aem_AdDrNWTmJBDvSG6suovGFp7nSMUYuw3fkvGvQ6fzIGiDAVCh1ie2ImOELXaKmTjF3QKp_7BoyHUYV6qZPIk8K7Xz

Pfizer is pleased to offer scholarships to people living with certain rare conditions. Visit one of the links below to learn more about these opportunities.

05/07/2024

If you are a person with SCD who is moving from pediatric care to adult care, we invite you to join us on May 3rd, 2024, for a presentation by Dr. Akshat Jain, MD, who will provide important information for the sickle cell community. Cayenne Wellness Center and Children's Foundation Sickle Cell Support Community The KIS Foundation, Inc. Sickle-cell Disease Warriors Association of people living with sickle-cell disorder - Aplscd Dr SickleCell Sickle cell Talk Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Sickle-cell Disease

07/12/2023

Calling all parents, guardians, and students! 🎉Join us for a special educational workshop on "Understanding 504 and IEP Plans for Sickle Cell Disease and School" hosted by Cayenne Wellness Center and Children's Foundation. 🏫

🗓️ Mark your calendars for Wednesday, August 9th, from 5 - 8 pm EDT / 2-5 pm PST, and get ready to gain valuable insights and information to navigate the educational system for students with sickle cell disease. 📚✏️

Register at: https://bit.ly/scd504andiep

📖 This workshop is designed to provide parents, guardians, and students with a better understanding of the 504 and IEP plans, ensuring that the unique needs of students living with sickle cell disease are met within the school setting. 💪🏽💼

💡 During the workshop, we will discuss important topics such as individualized education plans, accommodations, the role of parents and guardians, advocacy strategies, and more. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools to support your child's educational journey. 🌟

🌐 RSVP today to secure your spot via the link in our bio. We also encourage you to share this invitation with others who may benefit from this invaluable workshop. Together, we can make a difference for students living with sickle cell disease. 🤝❤️

📍 This virtual workshop will be held via Zoom, allowing you to participate from the comfort of your own home. So grab your notepads, bring your questions, and join us for an informative and empowering evening. 🎓💡

We can't wait to see you there! Let's come together to ensure that every student with sickle cell disease receives the support and accommodations they need to flourish in their educational journey. 📚🌟



- With The B Strong Group () ( )
4h

05/15/2023

Join us The KIS Foundation, Inc. Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Orange County
or our blood drive on June 18, 2023, from 11AM-4PM. Be someone's miracle today and Donate Blood.

Cayenne Wellness Center and Children's Foundation

12/13/2021

Thank you Christ Our Redeemer AME Church and The KIS Foundation, Inc. for making the Holiday Gift Giveaway a huge success for patients with Sickle Cell Disease, Hemophilia, and Families! We served over 56 Families !

Special Thank you to the following Sponsors, without you; this was not possible!

Los Angeles Lakers
Chandra Wilson
Herbalife Nutrition

The KIS Foundation, Inc.

Thank you again for touching so many lives! May your lives, families, and businesses continue to reap a double portion of what you have sown; and may you have influential favor in everything that you do!

Blessings,

Starlerra Simmons/President