On July 31, 2026, the Cayenne Wellness Center and Children's Foundation will debut Scar Stories: A Visual Testimony of Sickle Cell Warriors at its Sanctuary and Art Gallery in Glendale, California. The exhibit, which runs through December 6, 2026, aims to bring visibility to the physical and emotional scars borne by individuals living with sickle cell disease.
Sickle cell disease causes severe pain, repeated hospitalizations, surgeries, blood transfusions, and organ failure. While physical scars tell part of the story, the emotional and personal impact often remains hidden. Scar Stories seeks to bridge that gap through a collection of portraits by photographer Heather Avant of Artfully Avant, herself a sickle cell warrior. Her work captures the scars, strength, vulnerability, and resilience of participants, transforming each image into a testimony of survival, identity, and healing.
The portraits are paired with personal narratives curated by Dr. Patrise Holden of The Language Key, offering the public a window into the lived experiences behind the scars. A companion book, extending the exhibit with documentary photography and narratives, will be available for purchase. Thanks to Agios Pharmaceuticals, featured participants will receive a complimentary copy.
The opening celebration on July 31 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. PST will include a press conference at 6:30 p.m. and bring together warriors, families, health equity advocates, healthcare professionals, elected officials, and supporters. Invited speakers include Senator Sasha Renée Pérez, Mayor Barbara Lee of Oakland, Assembly Members Mike Gipson and Nick Schultz, and Mayor Ardy Kassakhian of Glendale. The exhibit officially opens on August 1 at 10:00 a.m.
"As the photographer and a warrior myself, Scar Stories is a true visualization of the aftermath of sickle cell disease on the human body. As warriors, we bear the scars of battle," said Heather Avant. Dr. Carolyn Rowley, Executive Director of Cayenne Wellness Center, added, "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). Cayenne Wellness Center, founded in 2000, is a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of those with sickle cell disease through comprehensive care, education, and advocacy for health equity. For tickets and more information, visit scarstoriesexhibit.com.
