About RaTasha “Pony” Williams
Founder, The Debra Frazier Foundation 4 Hope (DFF4H)
“Break the Sickle Cycle”
My journey began in 2005 when Charles Swinson of the Church Health Ministry Coalition approached me about organizing a Sickle Cell awareness walk. What started as a small effort to educate the community quickly grew, forming teams that walked in honor of loved ones battling Sickle Cell. My team walked for my mother, Debra, who has bravely lived with this painful disease.
Growing up, I didn’t understand the extent of my mother’s suffering—until, after my freshman year of high school, she was hospitalized during a severe crisis and nearly lost her life. That moment changed everything. I began researching Sickle Cell Disease and realized the depth of its impact, especially in African American communities. I made it my mission to help change that reality—for my mother and for others like her.
In 2014, when Charles moved out of state, I officially founded the Debra Frazier Foundation 4 Hope (DFF4H) to carry the mission forward. Since then, I’ve been blessed with an incredible outpouring of support from volunteers, vendors, sponsors, and countless Sickle Cell warriors and families.
Through DFF4H, I met Aaliyha Ali, founder of Sicklers United—a grassroots, by-Sicklers-for-Sicklers group that became a nonprofit with DFF4H’s support. Together, we advocate for a better healthcare experience for Sickle Cell patients, provide support systems, and teach people how to live well while managing the disease. Our shared vision is simple: no one should fight Sickle Cell alone.
In 2018, thanks to the support of my friend Woody Carter, DFF4H made history as the first group to walk the new track at the grand opening of the renovated Hy-Vee Arena (formerly Kemper Arena) in Kansas City.
Despite my own health challenges, I remain committed to this mission with the unwavering support of my husband, Ricky, and our son Tre, who is pursuing his dream of becoming a chef in Charlotte, NC.
From community awards to meetings with healthcare leaders, I will continue to speak up for Sickle Cell warriors—those who are fighting, those we’ve lost, and those just beginning their journey. With your help, we will continue to Break the Sickle Cycle.