You can help Next Step close the gap.

We are less than $6,000 away from reaching our goal of $60,000 this holiday season! Please consider a tax-deductible donation to Next Step before the end of the year. No donation is too small. If you have already given, thank you!

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Because of your generous support of Next Step in 2022, seriously ill young people had many opportunities to come together and share their life experiences to help inspire their peers to keep moving forward in life. They have worked hard, learning like skills, creating advocacy and self-care pamphlets, original songs and more.

“I’m In Control” is a lip sync video created by our young people. It highlights the perseverance of youth with sickle cell as they navigate the challenges of living with their diagnosis.

Watch “I’m In Control” below and be inspired by their energy as we ring in a new year!

Please make a donation to the 2022 Next Step Annual Fund and help more young people living cancer, HIV, sickle cell and rare genetic disorders to reach their goals in life. Thank you and Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Bill Kubicek

Executive Director and Founder, Next Step


 

Artist Statement

We, the mentees and mentors of Next Step’s STRIVE program, write this song to share our journey with sickle cell. We hope to inspire other youth to persevere and take control of their own stories. Through our challenges, we have learned the value of having conviction, strength, and trust in yourself. Most of all, we want others living with sickle cell to know that you are not alone. We are here with you.

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