They've beaten the odds. Now let's help them beat the gap.

Every year, the MTS Sickle Cell Foundation honors ten outstanding young adults impacted by sickle cell disease through our Warrior on the Rise Scholarship Program—a program designed to not only recognize academic achievement, but also spotlight the enormous educational barriers these scholars face.

This year, in collaboration with our amazing partners, we are not only increasing our awardees to twenty-three (23), we are also inviting YOU to join us in uplifting these powerful voices through our Warrior Scholar Fundraising Challenge. Each of our 2026 Warrior Scholars has launched their own fundraising campaign to raise funds for next year’s class of scholars—and to raise awareness of how sickle cell disease impacts educational access, equity, and affordability.

🎓 Your donation today doesn’t just support a student. It sustains a movement.

💥 WHY THIS MATTERS:

Sickle Cell Disease is a lifelong condition that leads to missed school, frequent hospitalizations, and unbearable financial strain for families.
Many warriors fight to graduate while managing chronic pain, stigma, and limited institutional support.
Scholarships are just one part of the solution—awareness, advocacy, and community investment are essential to truly level the playing field.

Together, we can rewrite the narrative and fund the future for these extraordinary young adults.

🧠 WHAT YOUR GIFT SUPPORTS:

Future Warrior on the Rise Scholarships
Education and college readiness resources for SCD warriors
Our annual Youth Empowerment Educational Luncheon
Outreach efforts to spotlight the impact of SCD on academic achievement

🏆 FUNDRAISING CHALLENGE INCENTIVE:

💥 Scholar Showdown: Fundraising With Purpose
Our scholars are competing in a friendly fundraising challenge!
The top 3 who raise at least $5,000 by August 21st, 2026 will receive:

🥇 1st Place: $500 AmEx Gift Card + Top Fundraiser Plaque
🥈 2nd Place: $300 AmEx Gift Card + 2nd Place Fundraiser Plaque
🥉 3rd Place: $150 AmEx Gift Card + 3rd Place Fundraiser Plaque

Want to help your favorite warrior win? Donate through their personalized link and spread the word!

🙌 CALL TO ACTION:

➡️ Donate to a Warrior Scholar
➡️ Share this campaign
➡️ Help us build a future where SCD warriors don’t have to choose between their health and their education

5th Annual SCD Youth Empowerment Educational Luncheon

A Celebration of Resilience, Education & Impact

Team Leaderboard

Team Members