Our Story

Kimberley Davis, our leader and president, co-founded DW-SCAN with the unwavering support of family, friends, and colleagues. For nearly 40 years, Kim has carried the torch of advocacy for those living with sickle cell disease—first as a devoted mother caring for her children, and now as a fearless champion for change.

DW-SCAN was born from love and loss, created to honor the lives and legacies of her children, John Amara and Mariama Walters. John Amara and Mariama were extraordinary souls who touched countless lives with their strength, compassion, and light. Mariama left us at just 21 years old in 2007, and John Amara at 29 in 2020—both far too soon. Their memory fuels our mission.

DW-SCAN stands with the entire sickle cell community—patients, caretakers, researchers, doctors, medical students, policymakers, biotechnology and pharmaceutical partners, the philanthropic community, and all stakeholders united in the goal of improving lives. Together, we expand education, strengthen advocacy, and improve access to equitable healthcare, working to uplift individuals, families, and communities while ensuring dignity, opportunity, and wellbeing for all impacted by sickle cell disease.

Through shared resources and a steadfast commitment to improving quality of life, DW-SCAN serves as a living tribute to John Amara and Mariama Walters, whose legacy continues to inspire hope and drive change for everyone affected by this disease.

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