Have a for Sickle Cell

Our Mission

Sickle Cell Warriors of Buffalo exists to uplift, empower, and advocate for individuals and families affected by Sickle Cell Disease. Through education, support, and strategic community partnerships, we strive to eliminate barriers to care, expand access to resources, and foster resilience. Our mission is rooted in transformation—building a future where every warrior is seen, supported, and equipped to thrive.

Our story

The Sickle Cell Warriors of Buffalo inc. (SCWB) was developed in August 2022 by a group of individuals from the Buffalo community. We are dedicated to helping create healthy living conditions for people and families living with sickle cell disease.

SCWB is a nonprofit 501c3 organized and operate exclusively for the purpose of educational, charitable, and services that benefit the Sickle Cell community of Buffalo and WNY.

Employer ID number:
92-0835348

Highlights of the impact and fundraising success of Sickle Cell Warriors of Buffalo in 2025:

2025 End-of-Year Growth Metrics

Sickle Cell Warriors of Buffalo, Inc.
7 New Partners joined our mission to support the sickle cell community.
Over $12,000 Raised through events, donations, and campaigns.
$1,000 Contributed Toward Scholarships for students impacted by sickle cell disease.
6 Community Events hosted to educate, advocate, and connect families.
3 New Volunteers added to strengthen our programs and outreach.
Giving Tuesday Campaign (Dec 1–30, 2025) raised $425.00 to support our initiatives.

2025 Fundraiser Results

CIAO & SCWB Fundraiser (Aug 9): \$210
Family Night Out (Aug 16): \$107
7th Annual Walk: \$4,900 (including sponsorships & donations)
SCWB Magazine (2nd Edition): \$1,814
Winter Wonderland (December 13):\$2200

Meet The Team

Juanita McClain

President

President of SCWB, also a S.C warrior who has fought lifelong battles with the disease. She is a Educator and a self-published author of five books based on her experiences of living with SCD.
" Over the years, I have used my experiences as a tool to educate myself and others, and to advocate for a community that deserves greater access to healthcare and resources."

Juanita McClain

Jason Moore

Vice President

Jason Robert Moore lives with Sickle Beta-Thalassemia and waves that flag proudly. As Vice President of SCWB, he advocates, counsels, marches, and shows up for this community in every form that requires — because he knows firsthand what's at stake.

His work centers on what SCWB has always believed: that SCD, the most common inherited disease in the world, demands better access, real equity, and collaboration that reaches Warriors across New York State and globally. He's also the founder of the Warrior Intelligence Project, a community-owned crisis tracking platform collecting real-time SCD data from Warriors across 17 states and 5 countries.

The data belongs to the community. So does the path forward.

Seraphine Sargent

Treasurer

Treasurer- Dr. Seraphine U Sargent

Born and raised in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Kivu Province. Women were never given the same opportunities regarding education and leadership
roles as men. Dr. Sargent graduated with a bachelor's degree in Health and Wellness and a master's in public administration from Buffalo State College. In addition, Dr. Sargent earned a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Health Administration and Public Health from D'Youville University. She published her first article called: "Sickle Cell Care Transition Experiences."
Dr. Sargent also co-founded SCWB.

Melaney Agahiu

Executive Director

Melaney Agahiu
Executive Director
As a dedicated caregiver and advocate, I value the opportunity to contribute to a stronger and more connected warrior community.