Born From the Community. Built to Serve. Continuing the Legacy.
The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter (SCDAA/PDVC) has been rooted in community, advocacy, and service for more than four decades.
Our story began in 1977, when approximately 30 adults living with sickle cell disease came together as a patient support group at Pennsylvania Hospital. Meeting monthly, members created a space where they could share their experiences, voice their concerns, support one another, and plan activities that strengthened their community.
In 1982, funding for Pennsylvania Hospital's sickle cell program was eliminated, leaving many patients without the vital psychosocial and social support they had come to depend upon. Rather than allowing that support system to disappear, members of the patient group were encouraged by a hospital social worker to take a bold step: build an organization of their own.
A Movement Becomes an Agency
On July 2, 1982, the Sickle Cell Genetic Disease Council of Southeastern Pennsylvania was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocacy organization.
The organization was founded under the leadership of co-founders Rev. Walter E. Brandon and Willie J. Hubert, both of whom lived with sickle cell disease. Their vision was clear—to create an organization that would provide comprehensive psychosocial and social services to children, adolescents, adults, and families affected by sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait.
What began as a small group of patients supporting one another grew into an established community resource and advocate for the sickle cell community.
Growing With the CommunityOver the years, SCDAA/PDVC has developed longstanding partnerships with pediatric and adult healthcare systems, community organizations, and other stakeholders throughout the region. Our work has continued to evolve alongside the needs of individuals and families living with sickle cell disease across the lifespan.
In 1995, the organization became a chapter of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, officially becoming the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter.
Today, SCDAA/PDVC continues the vision established by its founders by providing support, education, advocacy, resource navigation, community outreach, and assistance to individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease and trait. Our Reach Today While our roots began in Philadelphia, our commitment has grown throughout the Delaware Valley. Today, SCDAA/PDVC serves the sickle cell community across five counties: Philadelphia • Bucks • Chester • Delaware • Montgomery Our reach reflects an important part of our mission: ensuring that individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease and trait have access to support and resources regardless of where they live within our service area. Honoring Those Who Built the Foundation Both of our founding leaders left an enduring legacy. Willie J. Hubert, co-founder, passed away in 1996 after years of dedicated service to individuals and families living with sickle cell disease. Rev. Walter E. Brandon, co-founder, passed away in 1998 after a lifetime of commitment and service to the sickle cell community. In recognition of Rev. Brandon's extraordinary dedication, the SCDAA/PDVC Board of Directors named the organization's annual signature walk in his honor. Today, the Walter E. Brandon Sickle Cell 5K Walk/Run continues that legacy each year, bringing together individuals, families, healthcare professionals, community partners, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters during Sickle Cell Awareness Month. More Than 40 Years Later, The Mission Continues. What started with 30 people gathering around a table has grown into a regional organization committed to serving thousands of individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease and trait. The need that brought our founders together in 1982 remains our motivation today: To ensure that no individual or family affected by sickle cell has to navigate the journey alone. From our founders' vision to the community we serve today, SCDAA/PDVC remains community-born, community-centered, and committed to the future of sickle cell care, support, and advocacy.
In 1995, the organization became a chapter of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, officially becoming the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter.
Today, SCDAA/PDVC continues the vision established by its founders by providing support, education, advocacy, resource navigation, community outreach, and assistance to individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease and trait. Our Reach Today While our roots began in Philadelphia, our commitment has grown throughout the Delaware Valley. Today, SCDAA/PDVC serves the sickle cell community across five counties: Philadelphia • Bucks • Chester • Delaware • Montgomery Our reach reflects an important part of our mission: ensuring that individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease and trait have access to support and resources regardless of where they live within our service area. Honoring Those Who Built the Foundation Both of our founding leaders left an enduring legacy. Willie J. Hubert, co-founder, passed away in 1996 after years of dedicated service to individuals and families living with sickle cell disease. Rev. Walter E. Brandon, co-founder, passed away in 1998 after a lifetime of commitment and service to the sickle cell community. In recognition of Rev. Brandon's extraordinary dedication, the SCDAA/PDVC Board of Directors named the organization's annual signature walk in his honor. Today, the Walter E. Brandon Sickle Cell 5K Walk/Run continues that legacy each year, bringing together individuals, families, healthcare professionals, community partners, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters during Sickle Cell Awareness Month. More Than 40 Years Later, The Mission Continues. What started with 30 people gathering around a table has grown into a regional organization committed to serving thousands of individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease and trait. The need that brought our founders together in 1982 remains our motivation today: To ensure that no individual or family affected by sickle cell has to navigate the journey alone. From our founders' vision to the community we serve today, SCDAA/PDVC remains community-born, community-centered, and committed to the future of sickle cell care, support, and advocacy.
1977
Starting off
🩸 30 patients begin meeting at Pennsylvania Hospital1982
Incorporation
🏛️ SCDAA/PDVC is incorporated1995
National SCDAA Chapter Member
🤝 Becomes a chapter of SCDAA1996
Our Loss, Heaven's Gain
❤️ Co-Founder Willie J. Hubert passes; his legacy continues1998
A Legacy Lives On
❤️ Co-Founder Rev. Walter E. Brandon passes, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire our mission and community.Today
Serving 5 Counties
Across the Philadelphia/Delaware Valley region
“What started with 30 people became a movement. The movement became an agency. And the mission continues.”