Atlanta Mother Fights for Sickle Cell Patients Through New Bill

Mapillar Dahn-Flemister hopes Georgia's Sickle Cell Disease Protection Act will expand access to critical care for her three daughters and thousands of others.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:50am

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray photograph revealing the intricate internal structure of a human red blood cell, glowing against a dark background, conceptually representing the fragility and complexity of sickle cell disease.An X-ray view of the delicate internal structures of a red blood cell, highlighting the challenges of sickle cell disease.Atlanta Today

Mapillar Dahn-Flemister, an Atlanta mother raising three daughters with sickle cell disease, is advocating for the Sickle Cell Disease Protection Act in Georgia. If signed into law, the Act would mandate an annual review of all medications, treatments, and services for Medicaid enrollees living with the disease, aiming to expand access to cutting-edge care. Dahn-Flemister's family has experienced over 200 hospital visits, multiple surgeries, and monthly blood transfusions, underscoring the severity of sickle cell disease.

Why it matters

Sickle cell disease is a debilitating inherited blood disorder that can lead to excruciating pain, organ damage, and shortened life expectancy. With an estimated 13,000 to 15,000 Georgians living with the condition, the Sickle Cell Disease Protection Act could have a significant impact on improving access to critical care and support for patients across the state.

The details

Dahn-Flemister's three daughters have faced a lifetime of medical challenges due to sickle cell disease. Her oldest, 19-year-old Amatullaah Tyler, has undergone a hip replacement surgery and recently had her eggs frozen to preserve her fertility before pursuing gene therapy treatment. The family's medical history includes over 200 hospital visits, multiple surgeries, and monthly blood transfusion therapy.

  • Amatullaah Tyler, Dahn-Flemister's oldest daughter, had a stroke at the age of 7.
  • At 19 years old, Tyler underwent hip replacement surgery.
  • Tyler recently had her eggs frozen to preserve her fertility before pursuing gene therapy treatment.

The players

Mapillar Dahn-Flemister

An Atlanta mother raising three daughters with sickle cell disease and the founder of the MTS Sickle Cell Foundation.

Amatullaah Tyler

Dahn-Flemister's 19-year-old daughter, who has experienced a stroke, hip replacement surgery, and is preparing for gene therapy treatment.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp

The governor who will decide whether to sign the Sickle Cell Disease Protection Act into law.

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What they’re saying

“You just never know when there could be a pain crisis. My 20-year-old had a stroke when she was only seven. We live every day impacted by sickle cell disease. It's not a day, to be honest, that we are not impacted.”

— Mapillar Dahn-Flemister, Mother of three daughters with sickle cell disease

“The idea of a hospital is so draining. I've spent basically my whole life there.”

— Amatullaah Tyler, Dahn-Flemister's 19-year-old daughter

“The bill is a sign of hope, but we have to make sure that the infrastructure is there.”

— Amatullaah Tyler, Dahn-Flemister's 19-year-old daughter

What’s next

If the Sickle Cell Disease Protection Act is signed into law by Governor Kemp, the Act would mandate the Georgia Department of Community Health to conduct an annual review of all medications, treatments, and services for Medicaid enrollees living with sickle cell disease.

The takeaway

The Sickle Cell Disease Protection Act represents a critical step in improving access to comprehensive care and support for the thousands of Georgians living with this debilitating inherited blood disorder. For families like the Dahn-Flemisters, who have faced a lifetime of medical challenges, the passage of this bill could be a lifeline, providing a pathway to cutting-edge treatments and ensuring no patient is left behind.