Charleston, S.C, September 17, 2025 – The American Red Cross of South Carolina is proud to host Circle of Hope Presented by Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) on Thursday, September 25 at the International African American Museum in Charleston. The event will raise funds to support the Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative in South Carolina. 

During September’s Sickle Cell Awareness Month, the Red Cross is celebrating a rebound in blood donations from Black Americans through innovative community partnerships that help deliver lifesaving relief to more than 100,000 Americans with sickle cell disease who depend on blood transfusions.

Launched in 2021, the Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative has inspired more than 140,000 first-time African American donors to roll up a sleeve, strengthening the blood supply for patients in need and allowing them to survive and thrive. The initiative has also provided more than 300,000 sickle cell trait screenings, raising critical awareness in communities most impacted by the disease. 

Here in South Carolina, we’re working hard to raise awareness of sickle cell disease. We’re partnering groups and organizations all across the state to host blood drives and educate our neighbors about the lifesaving power of blood donations for patients with sickle cell. 

Attendees at Circle of Hope will hear inspiring stories from local Sickle Cell Warriors about how the Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative has impacted their lives. Additionally, Senator Tim Scott and Red Cross Advocate Anita Zucker will make comments addressing this critical mission.

Event Details:  
Thursday, September 25, 2025 
International African American Museum, 14 Wharfside Street, Charleston 
Learn more and register to attend here.   
All funds raised at Circle of Hope will stay in South Carolina to advance the sickle cell initiative.

Circle of Hope is made possible by these generous sponsors: 
Presenting Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina 
VIP Reception Sponsor: BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina  
Power Red Table Sponsor: City of North Charleston  
Blood Drive Sponsors: South Carolina Department of Public Health, Coastal Limo, and Eddie & Walker Buxton 
Media Partner: NEWS2   
Visionaries: Jessica & Peter Sage; Tom Carter & Mary Graham; Bill Horton & Mary Major; and Christopher & Sabrina Ingraham 
Opportunity Roundtable: Brenda Lauderback, Dr. Boyd Wright, Egbert Perry, Chris & Joan Berry, and Marlon Kimpson

About Sickle Cell: Sickle cell disease distorts soft and round red blood cells and turns them hard and crescent shaped, which can cause individuals to experience extreme pain and face life-threatening complications. In the U.S., it is estimated that over 100,000 people have sickle cell disease and may require regular blood transfusions throughout their lifetime. Blood transfusions are essential in managing the very real pain and long-term health of those with sickle cell disease, and blood donations from individuals of the same race or similar ethnicity and blood type are the most effective way to help patients experiencing a sickle cell crisis. Since the majority of people with sickle cell are of African descent, blood donations from Black individuals are critical in helping those suffering from this disease.  

About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

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