The Heart of Gold Sickle Cell Foundation of Northern Virginia, Inc.

10/16/2026

💜💛 Small Gestures. Big Impact.

The Heart of Gold Sickle Cell Foundation of Northern Virginia recently delivered children’s books to Pediatric Specialists of Virginia, helping make visits to the doctor’s office a little brighter and more comforting for young patients and their families. 📚❤️

We also delivered healthy snacks and drinks to the Inova Adult Sickle Cell Center for patients attending support group meetings and receiving care at the infusion center.

Thanks to your generous donations, we’re able to provide these small but meaningful comforts to individuals and families living with sickle cell disease.

Every donation helps us continue showing our community that they are supported, valued, and never alone.

💜 Thank you for helping Heart of Gold make a difference—one thoughtful gesture at a time!

10/14/2026

In this powerful episode of Blood, Sweat & Cells: Love, Advocacy & Life with Sickle Cell, Nicole Long shares what it has meant to live with sickle cell disease throughout her life; from serious health complications and hospitalizations to career challenges, treatment decisions and participating in clinical research.

Her husband, Joseph, joins the conversation to share a perspective we don’t hear often enough: the experience of the caregiver.

He talks candidly about learning to advocate for Nicole during hospital stays, supporting her through painful crises, and eventually realizing that caregivers also have to take care of themselves.

❤️ It’s a conversation about resilience, partnership, advocacy and living a full life beyond a diagnosis.

🎧 Listen to Blood, Sweat & Cells: Real Talk About Sickle Cell Disease wherever you get your podcasts.

10/14/2026

Virginia Department of Health Backs Trusted Vaccine Recommendations for Respiratory Virus Season

Richmond, Va. – With respiratory virus season approaching, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) endorses recently released vaccine recommendations from leading medical associations. VDH recommends that children and adults are vaccinated in accordance with the 2026-2027 respiratory vaccination recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). VDH encourages healthcare providers to draw on their clinical training and professional judgment, along with the latest evidence and scientific information, when talking with patients, parents, and caregivers.

These respiratory virus vaccines are FDA-approved, but availability may vary as ordering and distribution continue. VDH recommends checking with your healthcare provider in the coming weeks for vaccine availability in your area.

Clinicians and the public can access these recommendations at the VDH website or at a new digital resource hub developed by the American Medical Association (AMA) in collaboration with the Vaccine Integrity Project (VIP). The resource helps patients and healthcare providers by consolidating scientific, evidence-based vaccination recommendations for the upcoming respiratory virus season.

“Respiratory viruses like flu, COVID-19, and RSV account for tens of thousands of visits to urgent care and emergency rooms in Virginia each year,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Cameron Webb. “While these viruses can affect anyone, they can be especially serious for older adults, people living with chronic conditions, and those who cannot be vaccinated, including our youngest infants. The best way to protect yourself and those around you is to stay up to date on recommended vaccinations. VDH encourages Virginians to talk with their healthcare provider about which vaccines are recommended for them.”

If you have questions about vaccines or vaccine-preventable diseases, please talk to a healthcare provider or contact your local health department for more information.

10/06/2026

https://sicklecellanemianews.com/news/newborn-screening-test-checks-sickle-cell-disease-sma-scid/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=shared

A new newborn screening test can screen babies for sickle cell disease, SMA, and SCID at the same time, helping support earlier follow-up.

10/04/2026

🩸 I gave blood today—will you join me?
Help us make a lifesaving difference!

Join the Heart of Gold Sickle Cell Foundation of Northern Virginia Virtual Blood Drive and help support the critical need for blood donations—especially for individuals living with sickle cell disease.

❤️ Every donation will make a difference.

👉 Sign up here:
https://rcblood.org/3THuGLi

10/01/2026

The Heart of Gold Sickle Cell Foundation of Northern Virginia would like to thank Fairfax County Supervisor Rodney Lusk for his continued support in helping raise awareness about sickle cell disease.

We appreciate his efforts to spread the word about the importance of knowing your sickle cell status, understanding sickle cell trait, and donating blood to help support individuals living with sickle cell disease.

As we close out Sickle Cell Awareness Month, we invite you to watch Supervisor Lusk’s public service announcement and help us keep this important message going beyond September.

Know your status. Give blood. Spread awareness. Together, we can make a difference.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ReLvnPbVqU6S1qGt8

Tap to view!

09/29/2026

🩸 Help us make a lifesaving difference!

Join the Heart of Gold Sickle Cell Foundation of Northern Virginia Virtual Blood Drive and help support the critical need for blood donations—especially for individuals living with sickle cell disease.

❤️ Every donation can make a difference.

👉 Sign up here: https://rcblood.org/3THuGLi

09/29/2026

Join the Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. – Central Virginia Chapter for a virtual Sickle Cell Disease Awareness program TONIGHT, September 29 at 6:30 PM.

The program will feature Dr. Wally R. Smith, MD, Director of the VCU Adult Sickle Cell Program, and Shatina Nwosu of the American Red Cross.

Together, we can continue raising awareness, challenging misconceptions, and strengthening support for individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease.

📅 Tuesday, September 29, 2026
⏰ 6:30 PM
💻 Virtual Event
📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer to register.

The Heart of Gold Sickle Cell Foundation of Northern Virginia is proud to share educational opportunities that help our community learn more, connect with resources, and amplify sickle cell awareness.

❤️ Knowledge creates awareness. Awareness creates change.

09/26/2026

Walking in partnership for sickle cell awareness. ❤️🩸

The Heart of Gold Sickle Cell Foundation of Northern Virginia was proud to partner with the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for the Candis King Memorial 5K Walk & Community Blood Drive.

Together, we honored Candis’ legacy, raised awareness about sickle cell disease, and encouraged our community to give the lifesaving gift of blood.

We are grateful to the Deltas and all of the community partners who came together in support of the sickle cell community.

Together, we walk. Together, we give. Together, we make a difference.

09/25/2026

🩸 Upcoming Sickle Cell Educational Webinar

The Heart of Gold Sickle Cell Foundation of Northern Virginia is pleased to share an upcoming virtual educational program, “Understanding the Impact of Hemolysis in Sickle Cell Disease.”

This program will help individuals living with sickle cell disease, caregivers, families, and community members learn more about hemolysis—the breakdown of red blood cells—and how it can affect people living with sickle cell disease.

Each session features a healthcare professional along with Kyle, a community member living with sickle cell disease, who will share his personal experience.

📅 Three virtual sessions are available:
September 28, 2026 – Sheinei Alan, MD, Director, Inova Adult Sickle Cell Program

September 29, 2026 – Nirmish Shah, MD, Director, Sickle Cell Transition Program

September 30, 2026 – Biree Andemariam, MD, Founding Director/Director, New England Sickle Cell Institute

👉 See the flyer for session times, registration links and QR codes.

We encourage our sickle cell community, caregivers, and families to take advantage of this educational opportunity and share it with others who may benefit.

Program sponsored by Agios Pharmaceuticals.