Sickle Cell Disease: In The Community

On this page, we feature KISF's impact and influence on the SCD community. An RSS feed for this blog is posted below. To view archived posts, click here.

KiKi Shepard Tours Milwaukee Blood Donation Center (Versiti on King)

September 19, 2025

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 puts the community at the heart of everything they do.

They are working diligently 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.

Ms. Shepard had the opportunity to explore the facility and learn about the many medical advancements that Versiti on King is making for the Sickle Cell Disease patient.

Featured
FEWP with BBVA_October 29.2020.jpg
BBVA presents Personal Finance Workshop for the SCD Community
Read More →
A "Day of Play" for SCD Patients & Families
A "Day of Play" for SCD Patients & Families

The K I S Foundation hosted a fantastic Patient Bowling Party on November 19, 2017 at PINZ Entertainment Center in Studio City, California.

Read More →
Back-2-School
Back-2-School

The KIS Foundation had such a fun time out in the community helping to Raise Awareness About Sickle Cell at the 12th Annual Special Needs Network’s Annual Back-2-School, Community Health & Resource Fair.

Read More →
Celebration of NEW Sickle Cell Treatment Endari®
Celebration of NEW Sickle Cell Treatment Endari®

We at The KIS. Foundation, Inc., are simply ecstatic to celebrate the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of Endari®. This marks the FIRST NEW LIFE-CHANGING TREATMENT for Sickle Cell Disease in almost 20 years! It’s also the first-ever treatment approved for children.

Read More →
FDA Approves Endari®: The First New Sickle Cell Treatment in Almost 20 Years
FDA Approves Endari®: The First New Sickle Cell Treatment in Almost 20 Years

On July 7, 2017 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Endari® (L-glutamine oral powder) for patients age five years and older with Sickle Cell Disease to reduce severe complications associated with the blood disorder.

Read More →
SAG-AFTRA Health Fair
SAG-AFTRA Health Fair

The KIS Foundation continues its mission to Raise Awareness of Sickle Cell Disease within the entertainment community. We are so thankful to everyone who stopped by our booth during the *SAG-AFTRA Health Fair on May 3, 2017 at the Los Angeles Local Headquarters.

Read More →
6th Annual Mayor’s Masked Ball
6th Annual Mayor’s Masked Ball

The KIS Foundation had the pleasure of being with one of our biggest sponsors, UPS at the 6th Annual Mayor’s Masked Ball in Los Angeles, CA.

Read More →