Who We Are
Our History
LaWanda Bragg, the founder of the Cortney Vega Sports Athletic Foundation (CVSAF), has two daughters. One day, she asked her youngest daughter, Cortney, why she participated in track and field. Cortney’s response was both powerful and heartfelt: “I run because my sister Azia can’t run.” This simple yet profound statement reflected Cortney’s athletic dedication and sacrifice, as well as her desire to honor her sister who faced limitations due to Sickle Cell disease (SCD).
In that very moment, LaWanda decided to establish the Cortney Vega Sports Athletic Foundation. The name pays tribute to Cortney’s commitment to sports, Azia’s battle with SCD, and LaWanda’s background as an educator. It embodies the spirit of advocacy, empowerment, and community that CVSAF continues to foster today.
The Cortney Vega Sports Athletic Foundation (CVSAF) was established in February 2014. Beginning on August 14th, 2003, LaWanda embarked on a new journey alongside her family. During times of uncertainty and guilt, she relied on her faith in God to provide the strength needed for their lifelong battle. LaWanda recognized her responsibility to be the voice for those without one, particularly advocating for accurate information about Sickle Cell disease (SCD) to care for her daughter effectively.
Driven by a passion for nonprofit work, CVSAF was created with a focus on charitable, scientific, and educational purposes. Specifically, CVSAF aims to raise awareness about SCD and promote a quality health approach. The foundation is committed to reducing SCD illiteracy, empowering warriors, and parents through personal and social development, and helping individuals achieve educational, basic health, personal, and career goals. Their personalized learning model creates multiple learning environments, addressing individual health disparities and fostering self-advocacy and self-confidence. CVSAF’s mission extends beyond its core team; regulars and part-time volunteers contribute to creating a positive impact in the Sickle Cell Disease community and beyond.
Our Mission
CVSAF aims to raise awareness about SCD and promote a quality health approach. The foundation is committed to reducing SCD illiteracy, empowering warriors, and parents through personal and social development, and helping individuals achieve educational, basic health, personal, and career goals. Their personalized learning model creates multiple learning environments, addressing individual health disparities and fostering self-advocacy and self-confidence. CVSAF’s mission extends beyond its core team; regulars and part-time volunteers contribute to creating a positive impact in the Sickle Cell Disease community and beyond.
Our Vision
Since our founding in 2014, Cortney Vega S.A. Foundation has had a significant impact on our community. CVSAF is committed to organizing innovative activities that will help create a positive atmosphere for those affected and not affected by Sickle Cell disease and disabilities. We will confront health barriers by encouraging regular participation in awareness, advocacy, education, and allow participants the opportunity to challenge their interpersonal skills.