Gracious

Gladiolus

Strength in Action, Hope in Healing

Gracious

Gladiolus

Strength in Action, Hope in Healing

Why Support Us

Amanda is a 15-year-old girl who feels like she's constantly fighting an invisible battle. Every day, she faces an uphill climb with endless doctor visits, unpredictable pain crises, and the challenge of keeping up with school and her friends. Often, she wonders, "Why me? Why do I have to be the strong one?" These questions haunt her, but deep inside, Amanda possesses a unique blend of imagination, optimism, and trust that drives her forward—qualities represented by the three core pillars of Gracious Gladiolus.

There is Strength in Action,

Hope in Healing

Over 100,000 people in the U.S. live with sickle cell disease, facing daily

challenges most can't imagine. Gracious Gladiolus seeks to add joy back into

the lives of individuals living with sickle cell every single day.

Our Services

Gracious Gladiolus gets it—living with sickle cell isn't just about managing symptoms; it's about reclaiming your life. We provide resources, holistic care, and a supportive community that understands your struggles. We're here to improve your quality of life because you deserve more than just survival; you deserve to thrive.

Tales of Strength

Our children's stories teach how to express both physical and emotional pain, while inspiring kids to always show up as their best, even during tough times.

Parent Lifeline

Raising a child with sickle cell is challenging. Our support group connects parents, providing a vital space to share experiences, advice, and encouragement.

B.A.T.TER UP

Join our Building Awareness Together events, fostering community and raising awareness about the daily challenges of living with sickle cell. Together, we build strength and understanding.

Holistic Healing Hub

Discover holistic pain management techniques through our resource center, designed to help manage pain between crises and doctor visits, ensuring smoother, healthier days.

Our Services

Gracious Gladiolus gets it—living with sickle cell isn't just about managing symptoms; it's about reclaiming your life. We provide resources, holistic care, and a supportive community that understands your struggles. We're here to improve your quality of life because you deserve more than just survival; you deserve to thrive.

Tales of Strength

Our children's stories teach how to express both physical and emotional pain, while inspiring kids to always show up as their best, even during tough times.

Parent Lifeline

Raising a child with sickle cell is challenging. Our support group connects parents, providing a vital space to share experiences, advice, and encouragement.

B.A.T.TER UP

Join our Building Awareness Together events, fostering community and raising awareness about the daily challenges of living with sickle cell. Together, we build strength and understanding.

Holistic Healing Hub

Discover holistic pain management techniques through our resource center, designed to help manage pain between crises and doctor visits, ensuring smoother, healthier days.

About The

Founder

Khen Carter

When I was younger, I often wondered what I’d grow up to be. Well, here I am—grown, thriving, and proudly wearing many hats. I’m a nurse, author, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the founder of Gracious Gladiolus.

On the outside, people see me and think, “Wow, she’s amazing!” And yes, I am amazing, but not just because of my achievements. What truly makes me extraordinary is that I’m thriving with Sickle Cell Disease—and so can you.

Hi, I’m Khen Carter, the founder of Gracious Gladiolus, and I built this community for all of us. It’s a space for those living with Sickle Cell and the people who love, care for, and walk with us through this journey. Together, we can share strength, hope, and healing every step of the way.

About The

Founder

Khen Carter

Khen Carter is living with sickle cell…

When I was younger, I often wondered what I’d grow up to be. Well, here I am—grown, thriving, and proudly wearing many hats. I’m a nurse, author, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the founder of Gracious Gladiolus.

On the outside, people see me and think, “Wow, she’s amazing!” And yes, I am amazing, but not just because of my achievements. What truly makes me extraordinary is that I’m thriving with Sickle Cell Disease—and so can you.

Hi, I’m Khen Carter, the founder of Gracious Gladiolus, and I built this community for all of us. It’s a space for those living with Sickle Cell and the people who love, care for, and walk with us through this journey. Together, we can share strength, hope, and healing every step of the way.

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5446 S. Indiana Ave.

Chicago, IL 60615

GET IN TOUCH

5446 S. Indiana Ave.

Chicago, IL 60615