Our Story

     In the early 1970s, Mary Murph faced a profound challenge when her daughters were diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease. At that time, information on the condition was scarce and difficult to access. Determined to understand the illness and seek better care for her children, Murph embarked on a relentless journey to gather information. She wrote letters to various organizations and medical institutions across the country, seeking knowledge that could help her daughters. After numerous attempts, she finally received a small set of brochures from a group in New York, marking the first time she was able to obtain any meaningful literature on Sickle Cell Disease.

 

    Reflecting on her early struggles, Murph recalls, “I was an educator, but not in the medical field, and I was frustrated by the lack of knowledge—even the doctors I consulted knew very little about Sickle Cell.” Frustrated but undeterred, she reached out to doctors, legislators, and researchers nationwide, building her own understanding of the disease and ultimately becoming a self-taught advocate.

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     Armed with this newfound knowledge and driven by a deep commitment to help others facing similar challenges, Murph realized she needed to take action. In 1972, she founded the St. Petersburg Chapter of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA). What began as a grassroots effort operated from her home quickly became a vital resource for the local community. During those early years, Murph would receive urgent calls at all hours from patients needing assistance—whether it was securing medical care or simply understanding what Sickle Cell was.

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     Over time, the St. Petersburg Chapter evolved and expanded its services. Today, the chapter is housed in the Evara Health facility at the Johnny Ruth Clark Center on 22nd Street South. Though the organization now has a more formal structure, it continues to operate with the same commitment to service and education that Murph instilled from the beginning. The chapter maintains a full-time staff member and is supported by a dedicated board of volunteers who donate their time and expertise to further its mission.

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     Under Murph’s leadership as President and CEO—a volunteer role she continues to fulfill—the chapter has grown to provide a wide array of services. These include family support groups, educational presentations, genetic counseling, scholarships, and emergency financial assistance for families in crisis. Through these programs, the chapter addresses both the medical and social needs of individuals and families affected by Sickle Cell Disease, offering much-needed support

and resources.

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     As it celebrates over five decades of service, the St. Petersburg Chapter remains a cornerstone in the community, continuing to honor its founder’s vision of education, advocacy, and support for those affected by Sickle Cell Disease.