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Kier “Junior” Spates, founder of Kier's Hope Foundation, sits across from Rushion McDonald during an interview.

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. 

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