Cayenne Wellness Center and Children's Foundation will debut Scar Stories: A Visual Testimony of Sickle Cell Warriors, an art exhibit that pairs striking portraits with personal narratives to illuminate the physical and emotional toll of sickle cell disease. The exhibit opens with a special celebration on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Cayenne Wellness Center Sanctuary and Art Gallery in Glendale, California, and will remain on display through Sunday, December 6, 2026.
Sickle cell disease can lead to severe pain, repeated hospitalizations, surgeries, blood transfusions, organ failure, and other serious complications. The physical scars left behind often tell only part of the story; the emotional and personal impact may remain unseen. Scar Stories brings those experiences into view through a powerful collection of portraits captured by photographer Heather Avant of Artfully Avant, whose striking visual storytelling brings the scars, strength, vulnerability, and resilience of sickle cell warriors into focus.
The portraits are paired with deeply personal narratives curated by Dr. Patrise Holden of The Language Key, inviting the public to look beyond the physical scars and witness the lived experiences behind them. Attendees can also purchase a companion book extending the exhibit with documentary photography and narratives. Thanks to Agios Pharmaceuticals, featured participants will receive a complimentary copy.
The opening celebration will bring together sickle cell warriors and their families, community members, health equity advocates, healthcare professionals, elected officials, and supporters for an evening of art, reflection, live music, food, and community connection. Invited speakers include Senator Sasha Renée Pérez, Mayor Barbara Lee of Oakland, Assembly Member Mike Gipson, Assembly Member Nick Schultz, and Mayor Ardy Kassakhian of Glendale.
Dr. Carolyn Rowley, Executive Director of Cayenne Wellness Center and Children's Foundation, stated: "By documenting the physical scars and personal narratives of individuals living with sickle cell disease, this project transforms what is often hidden into a powerful visual testimony of survival, resilience, and strength."
The exhibit is presented in collaboration with the Sickle Cell Community Consortium (SC3) and the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA). For tickets and more information, visit https://scarstoriesexhibit.com.
Founded in 2000, Cayenne Wellness Center and Children's Foundation is a California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to improving the lives of individuals living with sickle cell disease through expert care, education, advocacy, and health equity. More information is available at CayenneWellness.org.
