Cayenne Wellness Center and Children's Foundation will debut Scar Stories: A Visual Testimony of Sickle Cell Warriors, a new art exhibit that pairs striking portraits with deeply personal narratives to reveal the often-hidden experiences of individuals living with sickle cell disease. The exhibit begins with an opening celebration on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., followed by the official opening on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Cayenne Wellness Center Sanctuary and Art Gallery, 216 S. Louise Street, Glendale, California. The exhibit will remain on display through Sunday, December 6, 2026.
Sickle cell disease can lead to severe pain, repeated hospitalizations, surgeries, blood transfusions, organ failure, and other serious complications. The physical scars left behind often tell only part of the story; the emotional and personal impact may remain unseen. Scar Stories brings those experiences into view through a powerful collection of portraits captured by photographer Heather Avant of Artfully Avant. Her striking visual storytelling brings the scars, strength, vulnerability, and resilience of sickle cell warriors into focus. Through her lens, each portrait becomes more than an image; it becomes a testimony to survival, identity, trauma, triumph, and healing.
The portraits are paired with deeply personal narratives from participating sickle cell warriors. Curated by Dr. Patrise Holden of The Language Key, the narratives invite the public to look beyond the physical scars and witness the lived experiences behind them. Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase the beautiful, over-200-page companion book, which extends the exhibit through documentary photography and personal narratives that explore the many ways sickle cell disease touches lives. Thanks to Agios Pharmaceuticals, participants who are featured in the book will receive a complimentary copy.
Scar Stories is more than an art exhibit; it is a public testimony. The opening celebration will bring together sickle cell warriors and their families, community members, health equity advocates, healthcare professionals, elected officials, and supporters for an evening of art, reflection, live music, food, and meaningful community connection. Invited speakers include Senator Sasha Renée Pérez, Mayor Barbara Lee of Oakland, Assembly Member Mike Gipson, Assembly Member Nick Schultz, and Mayor Ardy Kassakhian of Glendale.
In collaboration with the Sickle Cell Community Consortium and the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Scar Stories will remain on display at the Cayenne Wellness Center Art Gallery in Glendale through Sunday, December 6, 2026. Tickets and event information are available at scarstoriesexhibit.com.
"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 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."
Founded in 2000, Cayenne Wellness Center and Children's Foundation is a California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to improving the lives of individuals living with sickle cell disease. The organization provides expert, unbiased, and comprehensive care while also promoting education for healthcare providers, patients, and the broader community. Cayenne Wellness is rooted in advocacy, health equity, and the empowerment of those most affected by this disease.
