Our Mission
The Adam A Smith Legacy sickle cell foundation Inc mission is to make life better for people with sickle cell, all types, by providing social assistance for youth and adults. We will work on behalf of the community to help build and sustain healthy communities by improving healthcare raising awareness, advancing research toward a cure and supporting those living with sickle cell in attaining their school and career goals. Our mission is to identify and connect existing resources in the community to strengthen individuals, families, and children living with the disease.
Our Vision
At The Adam A Smith Legacy sickle cell Foundation Inc. our vision is to make sure that no family affected by sickle cell feels isolated while tackling the disease. It is our desire to assist people with sickle cell disease in attaining their school and career goals, thus benefiting society by helping others to be of service to mankind.
What We Do
The Adam A Smith Legacy sickle cell Foundation is a philanthropic living memorial organization focused on the health, education and welfare of those tackling sickle cell disease.
What is sickle cell disease
Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder that affects the hemoglobin in the red blood cells. Hemoglobin is a protein that carries oxygen to different parts of the body. Our blood cells are typically round, however, people with this condition have red blood cells that are in the shape of a sickle.
Sickle cells are stiff and sticky and cause pain and swelling by blocking the circulation of blood. Round red blood cells are able to move through the circulatory system easily. Sickled cells get stuck or clumped together as they travel and can totally block the blood flow or die off much faster than round blood cells, the blood flow stops so some parts of the body don’t get the oxygen that is needed. Adam likened this to a “traffic jam” in the circulatory system. In the area when the traffic jam occurs there will be pain. This sickling causes the cells to burst apart sometimes in 10 to 20 days rather than the normal life span of 90 to 120 days.
This sometimes results in patients being anemic or experiencing a low red blood cell count. This generates what is called “pain crises,” which are onsets of sudden, severe pain, and can occur without warning. Additionally, the blockages and clogs put the person at risk of several other complications including, acute chest syndrome, priapism, stroke and kidney disease. As a result the body has trouble making new cells for the ones that were lost, thus some patients have to be treated with blood transfusions on a regular basis.
Sickle cell disease may lead to many health problems such as: infections, leg ulcers, joint damage, gallstones, dehydration, splenectomy, kidney and eye damage, and growth delays. Since people with sickle cell disease look healthy, it is often not seen as a serious illness.
Testimonials
Our Story
When I met Adam I instantly knew there was something very different and special about him. Adam was kind, fun, loving and a Man of his word. His humor and vivacious spirit were evident to all those who had an encounter with him. Adam had the sweetest smile that just made you want to know more about who he was.
Adam was the last of six children born to Donald and Shirley Smith. Adam was born with sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease is a genetic condition present at birth in which the red blood cells in your body are shaped like a sickle (like a letter C). Red blood cells carry oxygen to the rest of your body. A person without sickle cell anemia has red blood cells which are round and flexible. The round blood cells can easily flow through the circulatory system whereas the sickle shaped cells are hard and sticky.
