Cayenne Wellness Center and Children's Foundation will debut Scar Stories: A Visual Testimony of Sickle Cell Warriors, a new art exhibit that pairs powerful portraits with personal narratives to illuminate the lived experiences of individuals with sickle cell disease. The exhibit will open with a special 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, located at 216 S. Louise Street in Glendale, California. The exhibit will remain on display through Sunday, December 6, 2026.
Sickle cell disease can cause 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. At the heart of the exhibit is a collection of portraits captured by photographer Heather Avant of Artfully Avant, whose visual storytelling highlights the scars, strength, vulnerability, and resilience of sickle cell warriors. The portraits are paired with deeply personal narratives curated by Dr. Patrise Holden of The Language Key, inviting the public to look beyond the physical scars and witness the lived experiences behind them.
Attendees can also purchase a companion book that extends the exhibit through documentary photography and personal narratives. Thanks to Agios Pharmaceuticals, participants 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 Members Mike Gipson and Nick Schultz, and Mayor Ardy Kassakhian of Glendale.
"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, 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 nonprofit committed to improving the lives of individuals living with sickle cell disease. The organization provides comprehensive care while promoting education for healthcare providers, patients, and the broader community. In collaboration with the Sickle Cell Community Consortium (SC3) and the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA), Scar Stories will remain on display through December 6, 2026. Tickets and event information are available at https://scarstoriesexhibit.com.
