The Sickle Cell Foundation of Tennessee is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization and the state of Tennessee’s largest advocacy and public policy foundation representing over 4,000 people living with sickle cell disease. The Sickle Cell Foundation of Tennessee was founded by the late Dr. Trevor K. Thompson and his wife Cherry Whitehead-Thompson in 2007.

Dr. Thompson was born in Baltimore, Maryland and raised in Tuskegee, Alabama. By Dr. Thompson living with sickle cell disease, he developed an intimate understanding of the difficulties people suffering with this debilitating disease face on a daily basis. Because of his connection, he knew the importance of ensuring that those living with sickle cell disease had a voice, were heard and never forgotten. He spent countless hours traveling, advocating, educating, and raising awareness, not just in his local community, but communities throughout the world about sickle cell disease and its impacts. He was often heard saying, “The disease may have my body, but not my spirit” and he lived by his family motto, “DUM SPIRO SPERO”, which is Latin for “While I Breath, I Hope”.

By profession, Dr. Thompson served as the No Child Left Behind coordinator for Memphis City Schools for over 20 years. After founding The Sickle Cell Foundation of Tennessee, Dr. Thompson transitioned as its first full-time employee and dedicated his life to ensuring the Foundation solidified its place in the sickle cell community.

During Dr. Thompson’s tenure, his leadership, outreach, and educational advocacy for sickle cell disease touched over 1 million people and raised substantial funding for the support of sickle cell warriors and their families. Dr. Thompson became an icon within many communities as a fighter for sickle cell and rare diseases.

Dr. Thompson was a recipient of numerous local and national awards. Dr. Thompson received his undergraduate degree from Xavier University of Louisiana, a master’s degree from the University of Mississippi at Oxford, and a doctorate degree from the University of Memphis. Dr. Thompson was a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (Delta Boule), and president of the Xavier University of Louisiana Memphis Alumni Chapter.

Dr. Thompson’s legacy continues through his wife Cherry, daughter Alexandria, and son Trevor Chase.