We are forever grateful for the Late former South Carolina Representative David J. Mack III for many years of service to individuals, patients and families through working as a Senior Counselor and Assistant Director with Sickle Cell services. He was a political leader, champion for the people and staple in the community. Representative Mack's legacy of service will never be forgotten.
Staff
Founder
Mr. William "Bill" Saunders, Founder
Mrs. Sarah D. Williams
Mr. Lawrence J. Huger
Mr. James Heyward
Attorney Sean Wilson
Reverend Albertha H. Cook
Dr. Barbara D. Dilligard, Consultant
William "Bill" Saunders is the founder and former CEO of COBRA. A visionary in the human/civil rights movement, Bill Saunders started COBRA, the Committee on Better Racial Assurance in 1970. For many years he and many colleagues raised the conscientiousness of the Charleston community in particular and legislators in the state to address the inequities between the races. After successfully lobbying for the rights of hospital workers, the minimum wage legislation passed in South Carolina.
Continuing his commitment to racial equality and access to all benefits for all people, Bill turned his attention to the forgotten but much needed services for individuals and families with Sickle Cell Anemia. The COBRA Sickle Cell Program was born under his leadership, in collaboration with Trident United Way.
His involvement in radio broadcast provided an excellent forum to educate the community on Sickle Cell Disease as well as the issues of the day.
Rev. Albertha H. Cook has served as Executive Director for COBRA Sickle Cell Program for more than 35 years. A former high school Biology teacher and Science Department Chairperson, Rev. Cook 's interest in the biological sciences led her to further study attending federal government sponsored training in bio-instrumentation. Earning a Master's Degree in Biological Education from University of South Carolina, she became interested in the Sickle Cell Disease and pursued and received a Master Degree in Public Health from the University of California at Berkeley.
She continues to administer the COBRA Sickle Cell Program maintaining and exploring funding sources to help individuals and families with Sickle Cell Disease.
Board of Directors
Executive Director
Special Recognition