Our Growing Story...
JAYJ Foundation was founded in 2014 by Valentine Joseph in memory of her three brothers, Jean, Anderson and Yoldy Joseph (Pictured), who all died from Sickle Cell Anemia Disease and her maternal grandmother, Francilia Esperance, who died from cancer.
JAYJ Foundation is a 501(C)(3) tax-exempt organization whose mission is to promote, aid, and advocate for better and greater access to health care and healthy living services, education, and the overall well-being of women and children in the United States and in Haiti.
Sickle Cell in the Communities We Serve
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the exact number of people living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in the U.S. is unknown. Working with partners, the CDC supports projects to learn about the number of people living with SCD to better understand how the disease impacts their health.
It is estimated that SCD affects approximately 100,000 Americans. SCD occurs among about 1 out of every 500 Black or African-American births. SCD occurs among about 1 out of every 3600 Hispanic-American births. About 1 in 13 Black or African-American babies is born with sickle cell trait (SCT).
The State of Florida is one of just 10 States which accounts for more than half of the Sickle Cell Disease community. South Florida, which comprises of Miami, Broward and Palm Beach Counties are the top three counties in Florida with the highest prevalence of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) patients. Marked disparities in the number of SCD referral centers in comparison to SCD birth hospitals in the county have been reported. The Foundation is aggressively advocating on behalf of Sickle Cell patients and their caregivers to ensure that they receive the best possible care within the health care and school systems; are treated fairly; and that adequate programs and services geared to their specific needs are provided.
According to the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, “One in 13 children die before their fifth birthday. It is a tragedy and arguably a moral outrage when children die needlessly. Sadly, children with Sickle Cell Anemia are dying needlessly in Haiti, which has a high prevalence of this inherited disease.” The two most effective medications (Penicillin and Hydroxyurea) used to treat Sickle Cell patients are unavailable in Haiti. In Haiti, until now, a sense of fatalism concerning Sickle Cell Anemia has become a self-fulfilling prophecy – children with sickle cell anemia rarely survive infancy. Ironically, they die of an infectious complication of their disease that could be easily prevented – pneumonia.
Your #1 Resource in the Fight against Sickle Cell Disease
DISTRIBUTION OF WELL CARE KITS TO SOUTH FLORIDA SICKLE CELL
JAYJ Foundation is pleased to partner with South Florida's premier Children's Hospitals (University of Miami Sickle Cell Center, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital and Palm Beach Children Hospital) to provide Well Care Kits to Sickle Cell Disease patients while in the hospitals and/or getting their required medical check-ups.
OUR PROGRAM & SERVICES
SUPPORT SERVICES
SUPPORT SERVICES
SUPPORT SERVICES
- Provide JAYJ Get Well Care Kits to SCD patients while hospitalized
- Educate SCD patients and caregivers on best practices of SCD management in hopes of reducing frequent crises, hospitalizations and school absences
- Assist SCD patients and caregivers with some basic needs (doctor’s appointment, referrals, translation, transportation, etc.)
SCD ADVOCACY
SUPPORT SERVICES
SUPPORT SERVICES
- Provide assistance to SCD patients and caregivers so they can effectively navigate the Healthcare and Educational Systems to maximize all available benefits and resources
- Educate SCD patients and caregivers on their Bill of Rights while in hospitals and schools
MENTORSHIP
SUPPORT SERVICES
SUPPORT GROUP
- Provide mentoring programs to SCD patients to ensure that they have the proper guidance and support throughout their journey
SUPPORT GROUP
JAYJ ACTIVITIES
SUPPORT GROUP
- COMING SOON....Monthly Support Group meetings via ZOOM for both SCD patients and caregivers so they can share their stories and coping mechanisms. t dates and details.
JAYJ ACTIVITIES
JAYJ ACTIVITIES
JAYJ ACTIVITIES
- Specialized activities geared towards Sickle Cell Education and Awareness as well as fun activities for Sickle Cell Disease patients and the entire family
JAYJ FOUNDATION WORK IN THE US AND HAITI
BRIDGING THE GAP FOR SICKLE CELL PATIENTS
BRIDGING THE GAP FOR SICKLE CELL PATIENTS
BRIDGING THE GAP FOR SICKLE CELL PATIENTS
Sickle Cell Disease is a genetic blood disorder that causes red blood cells to change shape and can lead to tissue damage and pain, as well as enlarged spleen, anemia, and other symptoms. It is most common among those of African descent. Not long ago, the life expectancy for children diagnosed with the disease was only 15 years. However, significant progress has been made over the years, primarily in the areas of pain management, resulting in fewer hospitalizations, and an increase in longevity using aggressive treatments such as bone-marrow transplants. Sickle Cell Disease is also the most common genetic blood disorder in the US.
JAYJ FOUNDATION MISSION WORK IN HAITI
BRIDGING THE GAP FOR SICKLE CELL PATIENTS
BRIDGING THE GAP FOR SICKLE CELL PATIENTS
Since 2016 JAYJ Foundation has provided assistance to children and residents of St. Louis du Sud, Haiti through its Annual Back to School and Toy Distribution. Each year, we feed over 400 children and provide care kits for the entire family and much more.
JAYJ FOUNDATION MISSION WORK
2018 Haiti Back to School/Holiday Mission
2018 Haiti Back to School/Holiday Mission
2018 Haiti Back to School/Holiday Mission
On December 29, 2018, JAYJ Foundation provided over 400+ meals, and school supplies as well as toys to school children. We also distributed over 250 care kits to women and served an additional 200 residents in St. Louis du Sud, Haiti.
We are already planning for first ever medical mission this coming December which will be the biggest ever. STAY TUNED.
Click on the link below to view our 2018 Mission Video!
2017 Haiti Back to School/Holiday Mission
2018 Haiti Back to School/Holiday Mission
2018 Haiti Back to School/Holiday Mission
In December 24, 2017, JAYJ Foundation provided over 300+ meals, backpacks and school supplies as well as toys to the area children. We also distributed over 200 kits and served an additional 125 residents of St. Louis du Sud, Haiti.
2016 Haiti Back to School/Holiday Mission
2018 Haiti Back to School/Holiday Mission
2016 Haiti Back to School/Holiday Mission
In October 2016, Hurricane Matthew ravaged the Southern Region of Haiti, including St. Louis du Sud, our Founder's parents hometown, killing hundreds of people and leaving thousands more homeless and in disarray. JAYJ Foundation traveled to Haiti with a volunteer team and provided some much needed relief to the area affected residents.
Our Partners
WORLD SICKLE CELL DAY - JUNE 19TH
To all the COURAGEOUS and BRAVE Sickle Cell WARRIORS, we SALUTE YOU on this very SPECIALDAY as we continue to SHINE A LIGHT on Sickle Cell Disease