Cayenne Wellness Center and Children's Foundation will debut a new art exhibit, Scar Stories: A Visual Testimony of Sickle Cell Warriors, with an opening celebration on July 31, 2026. The exhibit, which runs from August 1 through December 6, 2026, will be held at the Cayenne Wellness Center Sanctuary and Art Gallery at 216 S. Louise Street in Glendale, California.
Sickle cell disease can cause severe pain, repeated hospitalizations, surgeries, blood transfusions, organ failure, and other serious complications. While the physical scars from these treatments are visible, the emotional and personal toll often remains hidden. Scar Stories aims to bring those experiences to light through a powerful collection of portraits captured by photographer Heather Avant of Artfully Avant, who is also a sickle cell warrior herself.
Each portrait is paired with deeply personal narratives curated by Dr. Patrise Holden of The Language Key, offering the public a window into the lived experiences behind the scars. The exhibit also includes a companion book of over 200 pages featuring documentary photography and personal stories, available for purchase. Thanks to Agios Pharmaceuticals, participants featured in the book will receive a complimentary copy.
"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 Avant.
Dr. Carolyn Rowley, Executive Director of Cayenne Wellness Center and Children's Foundation, 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 opening celebration on July 31 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. PST will feature a press conference at 6:30 p.m., live music, food, and community connection. Invited speakers include Senator Sasha Renée Pérez, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, Assembly Members Mike Gipson and Nick Schultz, and Glendale Mayor Ardy Kassakhian.
Scar Stories is presented in collaboration with the Sickle Cell Community Consortium (SC3) and the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA). Tickets and more information are available at https://scarstoriesexhibit.com.
Cayenne Wellness Center and Children's Foundation, founded in 2000, is a California-based nonprofit committed to improving the lives of individuals living with sickle cell disease through expert care, education, advocacy, and health equity. For more on the organization, visit CayenneWellness.org.
