Small Business & Non-Profit Secrets to Success: Kier's Hope Foundation
Surviving & thriving with sickle cell
Kier “Junior” Spates was born and raised in Houston, Texas. Growing up, he wanted to be a football player. At age seven he was told he had sickle cell disease, a disorder of the blood that interferes with the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen. He was told, “It’s over.” Doctors predicted he would only live to be 11.
Today, at age 46, Spates is the co-host of the popular radio program The Steve Harvey Morning Show; the host of his own podcast, Living Your Life; and the founder of Kier’s Hope Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping those who live with sickle cell.
Kier says that when he was told he would only live to be 11, he took that number personally. As he moved forward in his life, he kept the number 11 close, making sure it was his number as he played football. He dedicated himself to showing that people with sickle cell could do anything—even survive.
Kier became a comedian and met Steve Harvey in Los Angeles in 2001. He was invited to tour with Harvey in 2009 and eventually came to co-host Harvey’s radio show. He used his platform to raise awareness of sickle cell and in 2013 founded Kier’s Hope.
His message: “Your truth can be whatever you want it to be.”
To help Kier bring his message of positivity and hope to communities around the country, we gave him a six-month Walmart Business+ membership. This will give Kier access to special features like free shipping with no minimum1 along with free delivery from local Walmart stores for orders over $35.2 He’ll also earn 2% back in Walmart Business Rewards on orders of $250 or more.3 Combined, these features could save Kier more than $500 per year.4 Sign up today and you can enjoy the same benefits.
Watch the video above to learn more about how Walmart Business has helped Kier's Hope Foundation educate more people about sickle cell disease, and click here to view more Walmart Business customer stories.
1 Excludes most Marketplace items, freight and certain location surcharges.
2 Restrictions apply.
3 Rewards can only be used toward future purchases on Walmart Business. Additional terms apply.
4 Savings based on 1 free $35+ delivery order vs. $9.95 fee and 1 free shipping order under $35 vs. $6.99 fee biweekly, plus 2% Walmart Business rewards on monthly order >$250 (average value of $400).
