About
Founded on April 19, 2023, the Arkansas Sickle Cell Foundation, also known as Mariya’s HOPE, was established by Mariya Lanae Wright, a young warrior living with sickle cell disease. Inspired by her personal journey and fueled by unwavering determination, Mariya created this foundation to support others affected by the condition and to be a voice for change.
Currently a nursing student at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Mariya has always been passionate about health, advocacy, and making a difference. She’s not only a student—she’s also a model, a former Disney actress, and a natural leader. With her mother, Diamond Baker, by her side as her strongest advocate and researcher, Mariya is on a mission to transform how we talk about and treat sickle cell disease.
At its heart, this foundation is about HOPE—Healing, Outreach, Purpose, and Empowerment. Through community outreach, hospital visits, holistic health education, and delivering customized HOPE Bags to pediatric sickle cell patients, we are committed to spreading awareness, comfort, and encouragement to those who need it most.
We believe all warriors can embrace who they are,
can define their future, and can change the world.
Our Mission
Our mission is to uplift and empower individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease through advocacy, education, direct support, and compassionate outreach. We aim to:
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Provide financial and emotional assistance to families during hospitalizations and crisis care.
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Deliver HOPE Bags filled with thoughtful items and activities to children hospitalized with sickle cell complications.
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Promote awareness about holistic and natural approaches to managing sickle cell symptoms.
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Raise funds in pursuit of a cure for sickle cell disease.
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Support sickle cell warriors by amplifying their stories and providing a platform for their voices to be heard.
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Extend love and care beyond the sickle cell community by feeding the homeless once a month through our outreach program.
Our Vision
We envision a world where individuals living with sickle cell disease feel seen, supported, and empowered. Through Mariya’s HOPE, we strive to:
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Create a future where no child or family faces sickle cell alone.
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Educate the public and medical community to eliminate stigma and increase early, effective care.
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Become a trusted resource for holistic and traditional approaches to managing sickle cell disease.
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Inspire a new generation of advocates and healthcare professionals who understand the depth and impact of this condition.
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Lead with compassion and action until Mariya’s ultimate hope becomes reality: a cure for sickle cell disease.