Our Survivor Match Program
Sometimes the most meaningful support comes from someone who has walked a similar path. Navigating bone marrow or stem cell transplant and gene therapy for sickle cell disease can bring uncertainty, difficult decisions, and questions that are not always answered during a clinical appointment.
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As a patient, you may want to speak with someone who understands what it feels like to consider treatment, prepare for the process, navigate recovery, or adjust to life afterward.
That's where Survivor Match program comes in.
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Our program connects individuals considering or undergoing transformative therapies for sickle cell disease with survivors who can offer perspective, encouragement, and support grounded in lived experience. Whether you're exploring your treatment options or are years into survivorship, you don't have to navigate the journey alone.
The Program
Survivor Match is a peer support program designed to make lived experience an essential part of the treatment and survivorship journey. Through personalized matching, we connect patients and care partners with individuals who have undergone similar therapies and can relate to the questions, concerns, and experiences that may arise along the way.
Peer mentors offer an opportunity to have honest conversations about:
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Preparing for bone marrow/stem cell transplant or gene therapy.
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Navigating the emotional and practical aspects of treatment.
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Recovery, rehabilitation, and adjusting to life after treatment.
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Changes in relationships, identity, and everyday life.
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Questions about long-term survivorship and quality of life.
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Experiences that may be difficult to discuss with family, friends, or healthcare professionals.
Every person's experience is different. Our goal is not to tell you what decision to make, but to ensure you have access to someone who can share their perspective as you navigate your own journey.
A safe space to share
Become a Peer Mentor
Have you undergone a bone marrow/stem cell transplant or gene therapy for sickle cell disease?
​Someone is preparing for a journey you have already experienced. Your story, perspective, and willingness to listen could help them feel more informed, supported, and less alone.
Survivor Match
Peer Mentors can:
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Share your personal experience with transplant or gene therapy.
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Offer perspective on treatment preparation, recovery, and survivorship.
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Help patients and families feel more prepared for the road ahead.
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Provide encouragement and support through meaningful peer conversations.
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Contribute to a growing network of survivors whose experiences help inform the future of sickle cell care.
Who Can Become
a Peer Mentor?
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Individuals who have undergone bone marrow/stem cell transplant or gene therapy for sickle cell disease.
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Are generally at least 24-36 months post-treatment
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Feel emotionally ready to discuss their treatment and survivorship journey.
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Are willing to share both the positive and challenging aspects of their experience.
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Can commit to participating in the program.
How We Prepare
Our Mentors
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Offer training to help you understand the role and boundaries of peer mentorship.
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Teach trauma-informed communication and active listening.
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Cultural humility and responsiveness.
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Confidentiality, ethics, and participant safety.
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Recognize when concerns should be referred to a clinical professional.
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Mentors are also supported through ongoing check-ins and program oversight.
Here's How It Works
01
Fill out the Survivor Intake Form?
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Join our Survivor Database by completing our secure intake form and sharing a little about your treatment journey and support preferences.
02
Share What
You Want
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Go ahead and let us know if you're interested in receiving peer support, becoming a mentor, or participating in both opportunities.
03
Get
Matched
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Our team reviews your preferences and works to identify a suitable match based on treatment experience, communication preferences, and language.
04
Connect & Build
Community
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Once matched, you'll have the opportunity to connect through scheduled virtual or phone conversations, with follow-up support from the SCP team.
Your Lived Experience Is Meaningful.
Let's Put It to Work.
Questions about the Survivor Match Program?
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Contact Sickle Cell Prodigy:
Email: contact@sicklecellprodigy.org
Phone: +1 (206) 552-9217