Lived Experience At The Center
YourHeart Sickle Cell Foundation in Dallas is a nonprofit serving adult Sickle Cell Warriors nationwide with advocacy, education, financial support, nutritional wellness, and spiritual growth, led by founder and warrior, Candice Jenkins.
Our Passion For Warriors
Candice has battled sickle cell her entire life, and every hospital night and hard conversation helped shape YourHeart. We uplift adult warriors with practical help, real understanding, and space for spiritual encouragement.
Our Heart Led Approach
We walk beside warriors through advocacy, financial support, nutritional wellness guidance, education, and spiritual growth. Our team listens first, then responds with resources, prayer, and community that honor each person's unique journey.
Understanding Sickle Cell Disease & Our Purpose
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder affecting over 100,000 people in the United States and more than 8 million worldwide. In the U.S., it predominantly impacts Black and African American communities (1 in every 365 births) and Hispanic communities (1 in every 16,300 births).
The condition causes normally round red blood cells to deform into hard, sickle shapes. These distorted cells block blood flow, causing severe chronic pain crises, stroke risk, organ damage, and a life expectancy reduced by more than 20 years. Despite its severity, sickle cell disease has historically received less funding, attention, and specialized care than other genetic disorders.
Why YourHeart Exists
Founded by Sickle Cell Warrior Candice Jenkins, YourHeart Sickle Cell Foundation (YHSCF) bridges the gap between medical needs and daily survival. We fight for health equity, advocate for new treatment options—including breakthrough gene therapies—and work to eliminate the social stigma warriors face in healthcare settings.
Celebrating Progress & Community
Advocacy requires action and community. Following the success of our 2025 Annual Gala, we are preparing for our II Grand Gala: Fighting The Battle Within on September 26, 2026, in Dayton, Ohio. This milestone event brings together warriors, families, and supporters to drive research, fund scholarships, and educate communities on how we can improve lives and work toward eradicating this disease together.