Honoring a Pioneer • Supporting Research • Saving LiveS
Finding a Cure Together 4 Sickle Cell
F.A.C.T.S. (Finding A Cure Together 4 Sickle Cell) is a committee founded in 2014 by a dedicated group of friends committed to supporting groundbreaking sickle cell disease research at VCU Health, in partnership with the Medical College of Virginia Foundation.
Our Goal
We're working to raise one million dollars toward the Florence Neal Cooper Smith Endowed Chair to advance research, treatments, and ultimately find an affordable, accessible cure for sickle cell disease for all.
More About Us
Honoring a Pioneer
Florence Neal Cooper Smith
A 40-Year Legacy
Florence Neal Cooper Smith has been fighting sickle cell disease for over five decades. Her journey began as a child in the early 1940s when she discovered a book about sickle cell disease in a doctor's office - igniting a lifelong passion to help those affected by this condition.
"Known as the 'mother of sickle cell in Virginia,' Florence Neal Cooper Smith is the first Black woman to have a professorship named after her."
Education & Achievements
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Graduate of Virginia Union University
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Graduate studies in pathology at Medical College of Virginia (MCV)
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Organized Richmond's first city-wide sickle cell survey (1969)
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Founded Virginia Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness Program (1972)
Historic Impact
Thanks to her tireless efforts, all newborns in the State of Virginia are screened for SCD - a legacy that continues to save lives every day.
The Florence Neal Cooper Smith Professorship
Founded in 2014, this professorship is the first in the US named for an African American woman and supports aggressive, cutting-edge research to find a cure for sickle cell disease.
Join the Fight Against Sickle Cell Disease
Partner with us and the MCV Foundation to help reach our $1 million goal for the Florence Neal Cooper Smith Endowed Chair. Support the Florence Neal Cooper Smith Professorship.
Over $600,000 raised to date!
Your Donation Supports:
Research into new treatments and a cure for sickle cell disease
Development of new drugs and therapies
Recruitment and support for research staff
Community outreach and education
Direct support for sickle cell patients
Understanding Sickle Cell Disease
What Is Sickle Cell Disease?
Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder that causes red blood cells to become rigid and curve into a sickle-like shape. These abnormal cells have difficulty passing through tiny blood vessels, causing painful blockages that prevent oxygen and nutrients from reaching organs and tissues.
Serious Complications Include:
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Severe recurrent pain
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Strokes
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Organ damage
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Tissue damage
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Other life-threatening complications
The Numbers Tell the Story
100,000
Americans living with sickle cell disease
1 in 200
African Americans have sickle cell disease
2+ Million
Americans are sickle cell trait carriers
75
Virginia newborns diagnosed annually since 1989
gET IN TOUCH
For questions or more information about how you can get involved, please feel free to contact us.
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