Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects about 100,000 people in the U.S. – 90% of those affected are non-Hispanic African American/Black. In Memphis (Shelby County), 1 in 287 babies are born with the disease – a figure that has historically been higher than the U.S. average. In fact, according to the CDC, there are two adjacent Memphis ZIP codes that contain nearly 20% of all SCD cases in Memphis.

Children with SCD face constant challenges like severe pain and fatigue from sickle “crises,” which can be triggered by even subtle changes in temperature. Swimming can pose unique risks for individuals with sickle cell disease, but with proper precautions, it can also be beneficial. In 2024, The Cigna Group introduced the Safe Swimming with Sickle Cell program in Atlanta. The program, which is now in its second year, offered free swim lessons and water safety instruction at the Georgette and Cato Johnson YMCA in Memphis, Tennessee.

Ivy Bryant, an employee of The Cigna Group whose daughter’s SCD inspired her to create the program, says her mission is to prove that with the right education and preparation, learning to swim and be safe in and around water is an essential life skill that can be fun. “It is a life-altering disease,” said Bryant, “but we’re making it life-changing in a positive way.”

Raising awareness and taking action in a community impacted by sickle cell disease

More than 100 kids registered for the lessons from YMCA instructors and, much like last year’s successful launch in Atlanta, the Memphis event was a local collaboration among The Cigna Group (including Cigna Healthcare and Accredo), The YMCA of Memphis & The Mid-South, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital of Memphis, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

While the program also returned to Atlanta earlier this summer, Memphis was chosen as an additional market because of its high rate of SCD. Memphis is also home to Accredo Specialty Pharmacy’s Blood Disorders Therapeutic Resource Center (TRC), which serves patients with SCD. Employees and community partners of The Cigna Group volunteered at the event.

Kyla H., a mother of two children who have the disease and attended the event, said, “I just feel like, finally, a light is being shined on sickle cell, and that’s amazing. I can honestly say that, before this event, I didn’t even know there were things to look for in kids with sickle cell when they were swimming. Today gave me more insight to know there’s other stuff to look for. There’s something new to learn every single day.”

Pictured above: YMCA instructor teaches a young program participant how to swim

Another mother of a SCD “warrior” daughter, Shaquitta M., shared a perspective echoed by many parents and caregivers. “With this program ... it can be a great resource for the kids. For one, I like the fact that they can be normal kids if they have this disease – this life-long illness – they can just live a normal life with a few tweaks here and there just to live a comfortable life. This is just a great resource, and I hope there’s more in our community.”

A mission that’s about heart and soul

Kim Funderburk, president of the government, education, and health systems business at Cigna Healthcare, has been a powerful proponent of the Safe Swimming program and has seen firsthand the transformation it’s made – both in the kids and caregivers.

“This initiative represents a mission that goes beyond the bottom line for Cigna,” Funderburk said. “It is about making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families affected by sickle cell disease. To witness a child move from fear to confidence in the span of an hour is nothing short of extraordinary. Our partners saw a chance to improve the health and vitality of the Memphis community in a truly unique and powerful way, and we’re so thankful because it’s tangible work that is truly impacting lives.”

Pictured above: Kim Funderburk delivers remarks to kick off this year’s program

“There’s a significant need for greater awareness and education around sickle cell disease, which continues to impact families in Memphis more than in many other parts of the country,” said Dr. Shokea Miller, clinical executive for the West Tennessee Market at Cigna Healthcare. “We also know that the African American community in general faces unique barriers to health and wellness – particularly when it comes to access to swimming opportunities for African American children. Through this initiative, children not only gain a potentially lifesaving skill, but also benefit from education and support that can empower them and their families to better manage the realities of living with sickle cell disease.”

Community volunteers deliver smiles, snacks, and more

The Memphis event brought joy and community spirit, thanks to the collaboration between The Cigna Group employees and volunteers from the Shelby County alumni chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Additionally, community-partner volunteers brought food trucks, face-painting, fun games and a DJ. Swimmers also took home free swim packs with The Cigna Group backpacks, towels, goggles, sunglasses, water bottle, healthy swim snacks, and a waterproof Safe Swimming with Sickle Cell tips card, which also featured Accredo Junior Care Force characters Flo and Bo, to help teach kids and their caregivers more about sickle cell disease.

“Memphis was a perfect opportunity to make a difference here in the community, and to shine a light on sickle cell disease,” said Mark Jacob, senior director of product strategy at Accredo. “The tips card is a perfect pool partner,” Jacob said. “It’s kid-friendly but has really critical information for caregivers to ensure their kids are able to swim safely with SCD.”

Pictured above: Safe Swimming with Sickle Cell tip sheet from The Cigna Group

Bryant said the next step for the program is expansion into other markets. “We’ve learned the logistics these past two years from Atlanta and Memphis,” she said. “And our team’s ready to take this educational and empowering program to more markets and sickle cell communities across the country. We want to give kids – like my daughter – a greater sense of belonging and connectedness, so they can see it’s possible to just be a kid and thrive beyond their disease.”