A Message from Our Founder
"Every journey begins with a single step. Mine began with a diagnosis that changed everything – and ultimately led to a mission of hope, healing, and community."
Kynma N. Dunn
Founder & Executive Director
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a crippling illness, as I have come to understand throughout my life living with it. I was just six years old when I first began experiencing a sickle cell pain crisis. The pain, as I can first recall, felt like sharp, shooting sensations, sudden and overwhelming. That moment marked the beginning of a life that would be forever changed.
From then on, hospital stays became frequent, and feelings of confusion and isolation set in. I often wondered, "Why me?" I felt different, even though I didn't want to be. I kept my condition a secret because I longed to be normal, to be like my peers, free to play, participate in physical activities, and live without fear of pain. But that wasn't my reality.
Growing up with SCD, I noticed a significant lack of resources and awareness about the disease. There was little understanding of how to manage it effectively. As I transitioned into adulthood, those same gaps in knowledge and support remained. It was, and still is, overwhelming. I continue to be at a loss for words when I think about the absence of comprehensive care and supportive communities for those living with this silent killer.
The lack of awareness, the limited education within the medical community, and the cultural disconnect in addressing the needs of the sickle cell community have been deeply discouraging. Yet, despite these challenges, I've found purpose in my pain.
In 2025, I founded Mastering the Sickle Cell Life with a simple yet powerful vision: to create a culturally aware, safe, and supportive community for individuals and families affected by SCD. Our goal is to go beyond just medical care; we aim to address the emotional, psychological, and social aspects of living with this disease.
My mission is to empower individuals and families affected by Sickle Cell Disease through reliable education, compassionate support, and practical tools for daily living. We strive to build a safe, inclusive space where people can find strength, share their experiences, and learn to thrive, physically, emotionally, and socially, despite the challenges of SCD.
Our Journey Together
Why This Matters to Me
Every person I meet who is affected by SCD reminds me of my younger self – searching for answers, hope, and community. This organization isn't just my life's work; it's my promise to ensure that no one faces this journey alone. We've built something beautiful together: a community where cultural understanding meets medical expertise, where peer support transforms isolation into connection, and where hope becomes a living, breathing reality.
Our Unique Approach
What sets us apart is our commitment to cultural competency and holistic care. Our SIPS (Supportive Intervention for Pain and Symptoms) program represents years of research and community feedback, creating a multidisciplinary approach that addresses not just the physical aspects of SCD, but the emotional, psychological, and social dimensions that are so often overlooked.
Looking Forward
As we continue to grow, my vision remains unchanged: to create a world where everyone affected by Sickle Cell Disease has access to comprehensive support, where stigma is replaced by understanding, and where every individual can truly master their life with SCD. Together, we're not just surviving – we're thriving, advocating, and paving the way for future generations.
Join Our Mission
Whether you're living with SCD, caring for someone who is, or simply want to make a difference in our community, there's a place for you here. Together, we can continue building a future where no one faces this journey alone.
"The strength of the community is each individual member. The strength of each member is the community."