HANOVER, Md. — The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Inc., a national nonprofit membership organisation that advocates for people affected by sickle cell disease, named Natasha Thomas as events and special projects manager. Thomas previously worked for the association, including as an events consultant for the last three years.

In her new position, Thomas will manage the planning, logistics, operations and execution of the association’s events, including the annual national convention, annual Warrior Walkathon and other programs and special initiatives.

Previously, Thomas served as deputy director of Amara Legal Center, a legal aid organisation serving the Washington, D.C., region. She supervised organisational communications, supported grant applications and fundraising and performed human resources and finance functions. She joined Amara Legal Center as operations and resource manager.

For 14 years from 2007 to 2021, Thomas served in different roles with the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Inc. Her most recent position was development and special events coordinator, where she supported association operations, project management, human resources and office management. She previously held the positions of member services manager and project associate.

Sickle cell disease is a rare inherited blood disease causing red blood cells to take a sickle shape, which leads to blockages that prevent blood from reaching parts of the body. As a result, people with sickle cell complications can experience anaemia, jaundice, gallstones, stroke, chronic pain, organ damage and premature death. More than 100,000 Americans live with sickle cell disease, and 2 million Americans have sickle cell trait. No universal cure exists.

Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Inc. advocates for people affected by sickle cell conditions and empowers community-based organisations to maximise quality of life and raise public consciousness while advancing the search for a universal cure. The association and more than 55 member organisations support sickle cell research, public and professional health education and patient and community services. www.sicklecelldisease.org

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