We believe that illness has no boundaries,
and compassion has no limits.
The KIS Foundation, Inc., is committed to enhancing the social health and quality of life of individuals and families living with Sickle Cell Disease. Guided by the belief that meaningful change begins before SCD affects us personally, we encourage communities, partners, and advocates to take action early and stand with those impacted by this chronic illness.
For more than 19 years, our proactive approach - rooted in education, empowerment, and community service - has strengthened our ability to support Sickle Cell Warriors and their loved ones. Through outreach programs, advocacy efforts, and compassionate engagement, The KIS Foundation, Inc., continues to build a network of care that uplifts, informs, and inspires.
We remain dedicated to creating a world where every Sickle Cell Warrior has access to the support, dignity, and resources they deserve.
Official Statement from the Family of KiKi Shepard and The KIS Foundation, Inc.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved KiKi Shepard, cherished Sister, Auntie, friend, and an unwavering advocate for those living with sickle cell disease.
For 15 years, KiKi brought grace, warmth, and joy into the homes of millions as the beloved Co-Host of Showtime at the Apollo. She was also renowned as the Apollo Queen of Fashion and Ambassador of the show. Beyond the spotlight, however, her greatest passion was service. Through The KIS Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which she founded 20 years ago, KiKi dedicated her life to raising awareness, providing support, and advocating for families affected by sickle cell disease — a cause deeply personal to her heart.
KiKi believed that compassion, community, and education could change lives. Her voice uplifted countless individuals who often felt unseen, and her work created lasting pathways for hope, resources, and understanding for those living with this disease.
To her family, she was our guiding light: strong, loving, joyful, and endlessly generous. To the community she served, she was a tireless champion and a source of inspiration. KiKi is survived by a loving Sister, a Nephew, and two Nieces.
We are heartbroken by this loss, but we remain committed to continuing the mission she built with such love and determination. The KIS Foundation will carry forward KiKi’s legacy of advocacy, empowerment, and care for the sickle cell community.
We thank everyone for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support during this incredibly difficult time. Details regarding memorial services and ways to honor KiKi’s legacy will be shared in the coming days.
KiKi’s light, compassion, and purpose will continue to shine through all those whose lives she touched.
The Shepard Family
The KIS Foundation
Roll Into the Spotlight and Join Us on February 11, 2026 at PINZ Bowling Center located in Los Angeles, CA. Join the experience - Sponsorship Packages, Individual Bowler and Tickets are AVAILABLE NOW!
The KIS Foundation, Inc., partners with the Milwaukee Blood Donation Center (Versiti on King) in Wisconsin, for Sickle Cell Disease.
September 19, 2025
During National Sickle Cell Disease Month, KIS Founder & Executive Director, KiKi Shepard tours the Milwaukee Blood Donation Center (Versiti on King) in Wisconsin.
This new blood donation and community resource center has focus on conditions like sickle cell disease, lupus, cancer, and organ failure that disproportionately impact people of color. Versiti on King collaborates with local health experts to educate and raise awareness about the critical importance of maintaining a vibrant and varied blood supply, disease prevention, and accessible healthcare resources.
The KIS Foundation Announces the 2025 Educational Summit Scholarship Awardees
September 15, 2025
The KIS Foundation, Inc., is pleased to announce the SCD Warriors who were chosen to receive almost $13,000.00 in scholarships funds distributed from the 2025 Sickle Cell Support Effort Program! Each of the seven winners received $1,850.00 to attend the Cayenne Wellness Foundation’s 17th Annual Sickle Cell Disease Educational Summit, that was held on September 17 – 20, 2025 in San Jose, California.
The scholarship award recipients include:
Amanda Tucker
Dana McCoy
Hanif Mouehla
Renee Kirby
Shyra Arrington
Cheree Peoples
Shayla Rucker
The winners were chosen based on an essay about “Why attending the Educational Summit is important to them as a Sickle Cell Warrior?” The scholarship award included a Full Summit Ticket; Lodging (4 Nights); All meals and beverages; and Access to every In-Person and Virtual Activity and Workshop/Session.
Congratulations to each of our Winners!
We are so honored, and pleased to announce that we are officially SOLD OUT for the 7th Year in a Row!
Our goal is to enable Warriors to better physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially manage most eventualities occurring as a SCD child grows into adulthood and beyond, and also to aide young SCD adults in becoming independently stable as they mature into adult responsibilities, after leaving their parents’ care.
The KIS Foundation is proud to support the next generation of leaders in the SCD community, and we are now accepting Sickle Cell Educational Summit Scholarship Applications.
Award Amount: $1,850.00 - Five (5) Scholarships Available.
Completed applications must be received by August 8, 2025.
Awardees will be notified by August 15, 2025.
KiKi Shepard's 7th Annual "Celebrity Golf Classic" hosted by LA Lakers Legend Byron Scott, will be held on Monday, September 15, 2025, benefiting The K I S Foundation, Inc. You’re Invited to join us as we return to the stunning Porter Valley Country Club, in Los Angeles, California. This amazing event strives to educate the public about Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), how it is spread, its debilitating and deadly effects, ways of prevention, yearly hands-on support of this deserving community, and the need to get tested now!
Learn about Sickle cell disease
Take time to familiarize and learn about the details and history behind Sickle Cell Disease.
A letter from
Our founder
Read a letter from our Founder KiKi Shepard, describing her passions and experiences with SCD.
Ways for you to
Get involved
There are multiple ways that you can get involved and make a difference in the SCD community.
Raise Awareness
Make A Difference
Quick Downloads & Resources
Here, you can find quick button links to important downloads and resources from The KIS Foundation.
Upcoming KIS Events
Here is a quick look at some of the upcoming events The KIS Foundation, Inc., has lined up in the near future.
SAVE THE DATE for KiKi Shepard's 8th Annual "Celebrity Golf Classic" hosted by LA Lakers Legend Byron Scott, will be held on Monday, September 14, 2026, at the stunning Porter Valley Country Club, in Los Angeles, California. The tournament benefits the programs and services of The K I S Foundation, Inc. This amazing event strives to educate the public about Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), how it is spread, its debilitating and deadly effects, ways of prevention, yearly hands-on support of this deserving community, and the need to get tested now!
Sickle Cell Disease: In The News
Our mission is to raise awareness, advocate and educate, and to remain current with SCD news in the community.
