In February 2026, I will have the privilege of traveling to Tanzania with a small medical team led by Dr. Alan Anderson, founder of the nonprofit organization, Sickle Forward. In partnership with the Melian Foundation, Sickle Forward is working to screen 50,000 infants for sickle cell disease (SCD) across the Tabora and Mara regions over the course of one year. Launched in April 2024, this initiative provides early diagnosis and connects children to essential, life-saving care, including antibiotic prophylaxis, immunizations, and disease-modifying medications such as hydroxyurea.

Without early diagnosis and treatment, up to 80% of children with sickle cell disease in these regions do not survive beyond the age of five. I am deeply honored and excited to play a small role in such a meaningful and impactful mission.

This trip is also profoundly personal for me. International missions has long been a passion of mine and played a significant role in my decision to become a nurse. Over the past decade, I have served in multiple countries with various organizations, and with each experience, my desire to serve internationally has only grown. I have long hoped to incorporate missions into my full-time work, but over the years I encountered many obstacles and, at one point, nearly let go of that dream altogether.

That changed this past fall when Dr. Anderson invited me to join him on one of his trips to Africa. While simple in nature, the invitation came at a moment that felt like a clear answer to a long-held prayer and a powerful reminder of God’s care, compassion, and provision in my life. It is my hope to be a conduit of that same care and compassion in serving the people of Tanzania. It is my prayer that this trip is just one of many more to come!

I humbly ask that you consider partnering with me in this mission. Financial support will help cover travel expenses, lodging, meals, in-country transportation, and medical supplies. Equally important is your prayer—for safe travel, effective care, and lasting impact. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration and for supporting this life-saving work.

Sickle Forward is committed to:

1. Enhancing Diagnosis: Facilitate and improve access to early and accurate diagnosis of SCD through partnerships with healthcare providers, advocacy for screening programs, and the distribution of diagnostic tools in underserved regions.

2. Facilitating Treatment: Advocate for and support the implementation of basic treatment protocols for SCD, ensuring that individuals in low- and middle-income countries have access to affordable medications, preventive measures, and supportive care.

3. Promoting Awareness: Raise awareness about Sickle Cell Disease, its prevalence, and the challenges faced by individuals in low- and middle-income countries. Through education and outreach programs, we aim to dispel myths, reduce stigma, and foster a supportive community.

4. Empowering Communities: Work collaboratively with local communities, healthcare professionals, and governments to promote sustainable and culturally sensitive healthcare delivery to those affected by SCD. Through capacity-building initiatives, we aim to empower communities to address the challenges associated with SCD.

5. Advocacy for Policy Change: Partner with in-country medical leaders to advocate for policy changes at the national level to ensure that SCD is prioritized on the public health agenda. We strive to influence policies that promote equitable access to healthcare resources and address the specific needs of individuals with SCD.

Aim:

By pursuing these goals, Sickle Forward aims to contribute to a world where every person affected by Sickle Cell Disease in low- and middle-income countries can access timely diagnosis and basic treatment, leading to improved health outcomes and an enhanced quality of life.

Sickle Forward: Tanzania Newborn Sickle Cell Screening

Fostering hope and access to life-saving care for Tanzanian children with sickle cell disease