Welcome, Journeyers

Together, we educate, advocate, and work to eradicate sickle cell one journey at a time

Tesha & John Samuels

Co-Founders
Journey to ExSCellence, Inc.

OUR STORY

Journey to ExSCellence was born from lived experience. As a Sickle Cell Warrior, Tesha Samuels knows the weight of chronic pain, hospitalizations, and the uncertainty that can touch every part of life—from health to stability. Together, Tesha and her husband John walked through those challenges, often navigating gaps in care, support, and understanding. What they endured revealed a deeper need—one that extended far beyond their own journey. Out of that reality, they created Journey to ExSCellence to ensure that adult Warriors and their caregivers have access to the resources, support, and dignity they deserve.

Raising Awareness, Empowering lives

Our mission is to strengthen the lives of adult Sickle Cell Warriors and caregivers through advocacy, education, and direct support, while advancing awareness and understanding of Sickle Cell Disease, Sickle Cell Trait, and blood diversity within communities of color.

We provide programming and support that improve the quality of life for adult Sickle Cell Warriors.

We exist to bridge gaps between awareness and advocacy, identify unmet needs within the sickle cell community, and transform those gaps into opportunities for direct support and empowerment.

Awareness ~ EDUCATION ~ADVOCACY ~ ACTION

Events & Initiatives

At Journey to ExSCellence, our work is rooted in walking alongside Adult Sickle Cell Warriors and their caregivers with intention, compassion, and hope. Through thoughtfully designed initiatives and signature events, we raise awareness and educate communities about sickle cell disease while meeting people where they are. From educational workshops and webinars that equip families with knowledge and tools, to community gatherings, wellness experiences, and advocacy-driven events, each initiative is created to celebrate resilience, empower informed decision-making, and offer comfort during life’s most challenging moments. Everything we do is grounded in dignity, connection, and the belief that no Warrior or caregiver should have to navigate this journey alone.