Marc Thomas, Founder and CEO of the Sickle Cell Association of Austin - Marc Thomas Chapter was born May 17, 1958 in Oakland, California. At the age of 3, Marc was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease. It was during Marc's high school days that he first met Linda and she became his beloved wife. Told by doctors he could never marry or have a family, Marc was truly blessed with three wonderful children; De'drienne, Marc II and Alysian; he also has a grandson, Ja-len. His family was truly his inspiration, motivation and his greatest joy. He attended every event, supported, and encouraged his children to good works and continues to guide them in the way that they should go. His love, and dedication is truly paying off. De'drienne has an Associate of Science in Surgical Technology; Marc II has an Associate of Science in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in management; Alysian a teen mom, received four academic scholarships and is triple majoring in Public Relations, Speech, and History to pursue her law degree. Ja-len is actively going to Pre-School and being a good boy who obeys his "Big Daddy" as he has always taught him. Though he accomplished a great deal, and truly maximized life, his greatest and proudest accomplishments is his wife of his youth, who affectionately calls him "lord", his three children, and grandson. His wife describes him as a loving, devoted, Godly man and father. A man of integrity, and a true gentleman, he embodied all that was good.
On September 19, would be their 28th Wedding Anniversary. Marc was a man that truly loved God and served him. He started as a dedicated armor bearer, he served God and his Pastor Bishop Curtis D. Safford tirelessly. A faithful and meek servant, he began as a faithful brother, then excelled to deacon, minister and ultimately Pastor.
Marc held several management positions in the corporate world before founding the Sickle Cell Association of Austin - Marc Thomas Chapter in 1997. The organization began with three; his wife Linda Thomas and the late Patricia Portley. Patricia Portley also suffered from Sickle Cell Disease and passed away at the age of 33. Upon moving to Austin, Marc became frustrated with the level of care and support for Sickle Cell Disease. Marc's passion and dedication for helping others with this chronic illness started with his own frustration in finding appropriate support, as a person with Sickle Cell Disease. His role as advocate made him a hero and champion among over 300 families affected by Sickle Cell Disease. Through education and awareness, this chapter has reached over 10,000.
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