Welcome to the Angels Hall of Fame, a special recognition by MCS~ FUND to honor those who have worked tirelessly for the Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) community. Each year, we celebrate an extraordinary individual whose dedication and support have made a significant impact on the lives of those affected by SCD.

Honoring Our Heroes
In appreciation of their unwavering commitment, we present our honorees with a monetary gift and a commemorative plaque, acknowledging their exceptional contributions. These honorees are more than just advocates; they are true angels in our community, embodying the spirit of compassion and selflessness.

Meet Our Angels
2024 Angel of the Year: Kevin Jenkins
Contribution: kevin Jenkins founder of cuyahoga county sickle cell affected families.

Kevin Jenkins Sr. is a dedicated advocate and leader in the fight against Sickle Cell Anemia, having served as past president of the Ohio Sickle Cell Affected Families Association (1994-1995) and co-founder and past president of Cuyahoga County Sickle Cell Affected Families (1990-2000). During his tenure, he managed a team of 12 officers and chairpersons, facilitated monthly support group meetings at Cleveland Clinic Hospital, planned budgets and yearly activities, and received the Mayor's Proclamation for his efforts.

 

Jenkins has been an active member of the Cleveland Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital Sickle Cell Anemia Center Community Advisory Board and has engaged in numerous local speaking engagements at institutions such as Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Council of Black Nurses, University Hospital Emergency Room Staff, and Metro and Akron Children’s Hospital Sickle Cell Advisory Boards. He was instrumental in reviewing Sickle Cell Emergency Room Protocols for University Hospital and made various media appearances on TV and radio. Jenkins is also the writer and publisher of newsletters for Ohio and Cuyahoga County Sickle Cell Affected Families.

 

His directorial efforts in public awareness include organizing Gospel concerts and Slam Dunk basketball events. He also organized patient entertainment activities, including picnics, bowling, and Cleveland Indian games. Jenkins has written articles for local and state magazines and newspapers and directed a play titled “Living with Sickle Cell Anemia” performed by children affected by the disease. Additionally, he produced a documentary highlighting patient and parent experiences with Sickle Cell Anemia.

 

Jenkins enjoyed a 17-year career in the software, nuclear, and robotics industries as a quality manager, engineer, and technician. With 31 years of recovery, he has led a Substance Abuse Ministry at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, sponsoring over 300 men in AA and CA drug programs, running support meetings, and initiating “Vision 4U Entertainment” for sober activities. He has also conducted workshops and facilitated meetings across various treatment centers in Cleveland.

 

Kevin Jenkins Sr. attributes his achievements and recovery to the prayers of his beloved grandmother, mother, and three children, giving all praise and glory to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His motto remains: "NEVER Let Anyone Tell You What You Can’t Do!"

2023 Angel of the Year: Demeatrice Nance
Contribution: Demeatrice Nance is a Community Healthcare worker for Ohio Sickle Cell & Health Association; serves on the Red Cross Board of Directors; serves on the Rainbow Family Advisory board; and is a Volunteer –Cleveland Clinic Sickle Cell Dept.  Demeatrice has devoted her life to helping those with Sickle Cell disease and others in her community through her volunteer work, as well as to her daughter Makenzie (19-year-old Sickle Cell Warrior).  The efforts she has made to raise awareness of the blood supply shortfall in the African American community are one example of one of her volunteer endeavors that is near and dear to her heart. She understood the need to organize a blood drive with the Red Cross because it might potentially save the lives of thousands of people who have been given life-threatening diagnoses like Sickle Cell disease.  Demeatrice felt it her responsibility as the mother of a child with sickle cell disease to do everything in her power to fight for her health as well as the health of our community.


2022 Angel of the Year: Mary DeBarr
Contribution: Mary Debarr spent the majority of her career as an RN and in 1995 became interested in Sickle Cell Disease when hired by Case Western Reserve University to be the study coordinator for the Stroke Prevention Trials. She continued for years coordinating multicenter NIH sponsored clinical trials focusing on SCD. Mary spent the final ten years of nursing as the nurse coordinator for the SCD program at University Hospitals. In this role, Mary saw both inpatients and outpatients and was often frustrated by the lack of treatment options available. Mary was approached to enter the pharmaceutical field and has been at Global Blood Therapeutics for almost three years educating providers about new therapies.

2022 Angel of the Year: Gilberto Pena
Contribution:  Gilbert Pena is the Bilingual Health Educator/Coordinator for the Sickle Cell Anemia Association (ASCAA) since January of 1997. It is a Cleveland based 501C3 organization operating in the state of Ohio. Founded in 1971, the ASCAA is the world's oldest sickle cell and hemoglobinopathy service organization. They are the largest repository of statistical and case information beneficial to the worldwide patient network and the medical establishment. In addition, their overall focus is to provide a wide range of medical-social -work-oriented services to individuals and families diagnosed with the sickle cell trait or variants of the disease itself period since its inception the agency has served more than 400,000 families.

2021 Angel of the Year: Annie J. Ross-Womack
Contribution: Annie J. Ross-Womack is the Executive Director for SCDAA / Ohio Sickle Cell and Health Association, Incorporated, a statewide non-profit providing education, advocacy, and support to individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease for over 60 years. She advocates for families, neighborhoods, small businesses, and civil rights while serving the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Leadership Council, Columbus NAACP Executive Committee, Near East Area Commission, and other community-driven initiatives.

 

2020 Angel of the Year: Glinda Dames-Fincher
Contribution:   Glinda has lived with sickle cell disease since birth 63 years ago and has an adult son with the sickle trait (carrier of one gene). For almost 40 years Glinda has participated in sickle cell support groups and helped organize groups for adults and families affected with sickle cell.  She serves as a volunteer medical adviser for Kincaid's Kindred Spirits, Inc, a non-profit, adult sickle cell support and youth mentoring program.  Glinda is also a member of the Northern Ohio American Red Cross Blood Services Committee, and the Sickle Cell Sub-Committee. Glinda is Volunteer Co-Chairperson Northern Ohio ARC Blood Services Sickle Cell Initiative & Kincaid's Kindred Spirits Sickle Cell Support Group Adviser.  Glinda has been a community advocate and medical advisor for persons living with Sickle Cell Disease for decades.

 

2019 Angel of the Year: Wanda Blount 
Contribution:  Wanda Delaine Blount is a dedicated volunteer with the American Cell Anemia Association, inspired by the memory of her daughter, Miranda Shavette Blount (May 7, 1989 - February 7, 2019). Miranda’s battle with sickle cell disease and her two-week hospitalization without pay deeply impacted Teresa McCurry, a colleague at Ulta Beauty and Vice President of Kincaid's Kindred Spirits (KKS). Moved by Miranda's struggle, Teresa founded the MCS~Fund, transforming her 50th birthday into a "party with a purpose" to provide financial support for those affected by sickle cell disease. Wanda continues to honor her daughter's legacy by supporting this initiative and advocating for individuals living with sickle cell anemia.

 

2018 Angel of the Year: Adrienne Kincaid

Contribution:  Adrienne Kincaid is the President and Founder of Kincaid’s Kindred Spirits (KKS). Established in 2004, Kincaid’s Kindred Spirits is a non-profit organization created for the purpose of bringing community awareness to the plight of adults who are afflicted with Sickle Cell Anemia and Sickle Cell Trait. For twenty years, KKS has advocated and supported research, medical care, and greater access to human services for individuals with Sickle Cell Anemia and Sickle Cell Trait. KKS programs provide community outreach, monthly support group meetings, referral and information at public forums and health fairs.

 

Nominate an Angel

Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond for the SCD community? We invite you to nominate them for the Angels Hall of Fame. Nominees should be individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and made significant contributions to supporting those with SCD.

 

Celebrate with Us

Join us in celebrating these remarkable individuals and their achievements. Their stories inspire us and remind us of the power of community and the difference one person can make.

 

Our Commitment

At MCS~ FUND, we are dedicated to shining a light on the heroes among us. By recognizing these angels, we hope to encourage more people to support the SCD community, fostering a network of care and hope.

 

Thank you for your support and for helping us honor those who make a difference. Together, we can continue to bring hope and relief to those living with Sickle Cell Disease.