HISTORY OF SCAGO
The Sickle Cell Awareness Group of Ontario also known as SCAGO started on June 14th, 2005 as Seed of Life Philanthropic Organization (SOLPO) in memory of a brave young man- Sunday Afolabi who succumbed to the complications of sickle cell disease (SCD) in October 1999.
The SCAGO was established by the founders of All Naturals Cosmetics Inc. (Lanre and Timothy Tunji-Ajayi) as one of the ways their company can support the marginalized in the communities where they do business.
The SCAGO continues to welcome new members and to ensure we do not forget how it all began, we showcased below the three board members that supported Timothy and Lanre when the organization started in 2005.
Norma Allison Campbell- SOLPO’s first Vice-President
In 2005, All Naturals Cosmetics Inc. and Lanre Tunji-Ajayi, its president, wanted to give back to the community. Lanre presented me with the idea of helping with various diseases starting with sickle cell disease. She spoke with such passion and conviction that I knew there was no turning back. I have seen the then established Seed of Life Philanthropic Organization Inc. (SOLPO) go from one meeting to the next, one awareness and training session to the next.
The organization now fully focused on sickle cell disease and now known as the Sickle Cell Awareness Group of Ontario (SCAGO). It has become a very recognized agency supporting persons with SCD in Ontario.
Lanre’s passion is indefatigable and this was and still is what captured my interest. Lanre and the early board established a strong foundation working long hours and we are proud of the current board members and what they have continued to accomplish.
Moni Williams- SOLPO’s first Secretary
As the very first secretary of SOLPO (Seed of Life Philanthropist Organization) now SCAGO (Sickle Cell Awareness Group Organization); I joined the organization at its inception in 2005 and served in this capacity until 2009. I was involved in the different activities that laid the foundation for the organization – writing the by-laws, defining organizational goals, and planning events. Having been touched personally by Sickle Cell Disease, I am driven by the thought that pending the time a cure would be found, all that can be done to create an awareness of the disease, and the means of preventing it, must be done. Nothing is too little to contribute; all hands must be on deck to spread the word. Starting with one’s immediate environment, everyone needs to educate their spouse, children, friends, and neighbors who are susceptible to SCD, on ways to prevent the disease as early as possible. Prevention they say is better than cure!
Hadijat Lawson- SOLPO’s first Treasurer
A pioneer member, I served SOLPO as its treasurer from 2005-2010.
On May 25, 2013, Hadijat was recognized for her contributions towards SCAGO and was awarded the Community Award of Excellence for contributing to the advancements in SCD in Ontario.
She continues to advocate for the prevention of new SCD births by educating various associations in the Nigerian community including the Nigerian Canadian Muslim Association on getting tested for sickle cell trait (SCT) and support SCAGO’s fundraising goals.
HISTORY OF SICKLE CELL DISEASE (SCD) IN CANADA
The history of SCD in Canada will not be complete without duly recognizing the efforts of the Sickle Cell Awareness Group of Ontario, and its founder, Ms. Lanre Tunji-Ajayi
She has made a mark in the Canadian SCD community with her efforts around
- The creation of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Canada
- Many provinces and territories screening newborns for SCD
- Reduced fragmentation of patient organizations as she brought most SCD groups under the banner of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Canada
- Partnered with Canadian Blood Services (CBS) and Hema-Quebec (HQ) to ensure patients whose treatment includes blood transfusion have access to phenotype-matched blood. In her work with CBS, she also secured a partner for life number for SCD
- The development of the national research program
- The passing of June 19 as National SCD Awareness Day in Canada. The Bill passed on December 17th, 2017
- Drafted the History of SCD in Canada.