Our Mission & Vision
We are here to educate, advocate, and support — until every sickle cell family in Indiana has the resources, community, and care they deserve.
Our strategic pillars
Awareness & Education
We deliver workshops, school programs, and public campaigns that give communities accurate, accessible information about sickle cell disease — breaking stigma and building understanding.
Caregiver & Patient Support
Through resource guides, peer connections, and direct outreach, we wrap support around the caregivers and patients who carry the daily weight of this disease.
Policy & Systems Advocacy
We work to change the systems that fail sickle cell families — advocating for improved treatment access, insurance equity, and increased funding for sickle cell research.
Indiana Community Building
Indianapolis and Indiana are home. We prioritize local relationships, partnerships with Indiana hospitals and clinics, and events that bring our community together.
Partnerships & Collaboration
We don't work in isolation. We build bridges with healthcare providers, national sickle cell organizations, corporations, and community leaders to multiply our impact.
Sustainable Growth
We are committed to building an organization that lasts — with strong funding, transparent governance, and a long-term strategy that grows our reach year over year.
Sickle cell disease:
what everyone should know
Education is at the heart of everything we do. Here are key facts about sickle cell disease that every person in Indiana — and every American — should understand.
What is sickle cell disease?
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. People with SCD have abnormal hemoglobin that causes red blood cells to become rigid, sticky, and shaped like sickles or crescent moons.
Who does it affect?
SCD affects approximately 100,000 Americans. It occurs most frequently among people whose ancestors come from Africa, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and India. In the U.S., 1 in 365 Black babies are born with SCD.
What is a sickle cell crisis?
A pain crisis (or vaso-occlusive crisis) occurs when sickled cells block blood flow in vessels, causing severe pain. These crises can last hours to days and often require hospitalization and strong pain management.
Is there a cure?
A bone marrow or stem cell transplant can cure SCD, but finding a matching donor is difficult and the procedure carries risks. Gene therapies are now approved for certain patients — a major breakthrough in treatment options.
Sickle cell trait vs. disease
People with sickle cell trait (SCT) inherit one sickle cell gene and one normal gene. They typically do not have symptoms but can pass the gene to their children. SCD occurs when a child inherits two sickle cell genes.
Why awareness matters
Despite affecting millions, sickle cell disease is chronically underfunded compared to other conditions of similar prevalence. Advocacy and education are critical to changing research priorities and improving patient outcomes.
Help us fulfill this mission.
Your donation directly funds the programs, events, and resources that make our mission a reality for Indiana’s sickle cell families. Every dollar matters.
Susters, Inc.
Moore Family Values — Advocacy, education, and support for sickle cell families in Indianapolis, Indiana and beyond.
CONTACT
- SustersInc@gmail.com
- (844) 298-8779
- 2110 W. 38th St., Indianapolis IN 46228