In 2005, the Sickle Cell Awareness Group of Ontario (SCAGO) introduced the Hope Gala & Awards to honor the many heroes who have contributed relentlessly to the advancement of sickle cell disease (SCD) from different fronts. Close to two decades later, the organization is still recognizing new and old heroes from across the country.

The longevity of the program is mainly due to the support accorded by many partners, collaborators, and stakeholders not limited to sickle cell disease, industry, and the media communities, and for this we are grateful.

The program is one of the major fundraisers for the SCAGO
It allows the organization to raise vital funds for research, disease management, peer support group programs, health care providers’ E-course, and scholarship grants for youths with sickle cell disease seeking post-secondary education. It also provides the avenue to raise awareness and educate the hundreds of gala guests about sickle cell disease.

In addition, the auspicious gala event also positively impacts the psycho-social well-being of families affected by sickle cell disease as it offers the crucial and rare opportunity of bringing together the community including the medical and allied care providers, patients, caregivers, advocates, staff, volunteers, and friends.