Pam’s call to action as an Ambassador for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is due to her being the mother of two – now Adult – children living with the Sickle Cell. Pam has experienced every aspect of their growth and living with SCD, notwithstanding the challenges and successes. Pam will be remiss to not thank her husband of 30 years for being there during the journey of their 43 year old daughter and their 23 year old son.

A Las Vegas, Nevada resident for over forty years, Pam has actively been involved with several organizations, including Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation (NVCCF), and Cure for the Kids, in her efforts to raise awareness and education of SCD. While working with NVCCF, Pam organized several “firsts” in Las Vegas which included: a SCD symposium (2011), SCD Walk-A-Thons (2011 to 2013), and spearheading SCD representation in the Martin Luther King Parade (2013).

While continuing to be involved in the community, Pam received a renewed “call to action” in 2019. After her retirement from the State of Nevada after 34 years of service, Pam founded the nonprofit BTG- Adult Sickle Cell Disease Foundation of Nevada. Our Mission is to improve the quality of life of individuals with Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassema, and related blood disorder.

 

Our goal is to meet the needs of Sickle Cell Warriors, caregivers and families through services such as medical, educational, and social resources and see them readily available throughout the State of Nevada. Programs provided are monthly group meetings- which include our Transition program called “Its Time” for young people transitioning in life, from ages 13 to 25; a general support group for Adults and Caregivers, and a support group meet up for Men Only. We also host 4 events a year at this time to bring education and awareness to the Las Vegas community.

 

Our vision is to help Sickle Cell Disease families live a limitless and less challenging life; to see beyond the pain, dream pass the disease, and move forward in spite of. We also worked with Senator Neal in the writing of the first Sickle Cell bill that addresses the need for surveillance and some changes to the only medication in 2019 that was FDA approved for Sickle Cell patients. Thank you Governor Sisolak for signing Bill AB254.