The MTS Sickle Cell Foundation and its community partners presented its Sickle Cell Champion Award to Georgia Congressman, U.S. Representative Earl L. “Buddy” Carter during an intimate sit-down meeting at the Congressman’s office on January 23rd, 2024. The award is presented to companies and individuals who go above and beyond in supporting Sickle Cell Disease.

MTS Founder, Mapillar Dahn, took a moment to express to Representative Carter her personal experience as a mother of three daugters who all have SDC. “Congressman, I know firsthand how overwhelming and devastating a condition like Sickle Cell Disease is. Your support helps to improve the quality of life, life expectancy, and the overall health of all Georgians living with SCD. I am honored to present to this award to you today.”

Representative Carter expressed his gratitude for the award stating, “As a pharmacist, I understand the heartbreaking toll sickle cell disease takes on patients and their families. Unfortunately, Georgia is home to one of the largest sickle cell disease populations in the country, which is why it’s so important that we act quickly to save lives and prevent further pain. I’m proud to receive this award from the MTS Sickle Cell foundation, which does important work, and I will continue advocating for policies that encourage increased research and development for a cure for this life-altering disease.”

Also in attendance was Ellaree Peters, Community Health Worker at the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Amatullaah Tyler, Co-Founder of MTS Sickle Cell Foundation, and Dr. Brandon K. Attell, Senior Research Associate and Co-PI at the Georgia Health Policy Center. Dr. Attell summarized the importance of having Representative Cater’s support stating, “the Georgia SCDC program aims to improve the quality of life, life expectancy, and health of individuals with sickle cell disease by developing and disseminating scientific evidence to inform policies and practices.”

Representative Carter has supported federal funding to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which aides in the success of Sickle Cell Data Collection Program. Georgia has been a long-time recipient of this federal funding through the Georgia Sickle Cell Data Collection Program, housed within the Georgia Health Policy Center at Georgia State University.

Every day, over 100,000 Americans suffer from this genetic blood disorder continue to fight through its numerous life-threatening complications. Progress in the fight for a cure requires that we all have a better understanding of the full scope of Sickle Cell Disease and continue to champion efforts from healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, community organizations, policymakers, patients and their families.

Top: Congressman Earl L. “Buddy” Carter
Bottom Left: (l-r) Dr. Bradon Attell, Mapillar Dahn, Congressman Carter, Amatullaah Tyler, and Ellaree Peters. Bottom Right: Dr. Brandon Attell and Mapillar Dahn
Photo Cred: Marquita Gooch