Healing Beyond Medicine.
Better Exists was founded on a simple but powerful belief: at any level of illness, a fuller, happier life is possible. For individuals living with Sickle Cell Disease, the journey often extends far beyond medical appointments and hospital stays. It includes navigating emotional challenges, advocating for quality care, building meaningful relationships, and discovering purpose despite chronic illness. At Better Exists, we believe no one should have to face that journey alone.
Our mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals and families affected by Sickle Cell Disease through mentorship, wellness, education, creativity, advocacy, and community connection. We create spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered—not just as patients, but as individuals with dreams, talents, and unlimited potential.
We partner with healthcare providers, community organizations, schools, corporations, and philanthropic leaders to bridge the gap between clinical care and everyday living. Together, we're building programs that foster resilience, promote health equity, and inspire hope at every stage of life.
Whether you're living with Sickle Cell Disease, caring for a loved one, volunteering your time, or investing in our mission, you're part of a movement that believes healing is about more than treatment. It's about creating opportunities to thrive.
Because surviving isn't the goal. Living well is. Better Exists.
OUR PEOPLE
The People Behind Better Exists
Jared "J. Snow" Snow
Executive Director & Founder
As someone living with Sickle Cell Disease, Jared "J. Snow" Snow founded Better Exists to redefine what support looks like for the Sickle Cell community. Drawing from his background in filmmaking, stand-up comedy, and storytelling, he envisioned an organization that connects with people in authentic, relatable ways while helping them move beyond survival toward a life of purpose. J. Snow leads the organization's vision, using creativity, education, and community to transform pain into possibility. Through innovative programming, workshops, and meaningful partnerships, he is building safe spaces where individuals living with Sickle Cell Disease can connect, heal, and thrive without judgment.
Noah James
Operations & Development Lead
Noah James is a Sickle Cell warrior and advocate who oversees the operational infrastructure that keeps Better Exists moving forward. As Operations & Development Lead, he manages organizational systems, fundraising coordination, and internal processes that support the organization's continued growth. His behind-the-scenes leadership ensures programs run efficiently, partnerships are nurtured, and the team can focus on delivering meaningful experiences for individuals and families living with Sickle Cell Disease.
Nivia Charles
Programming Lead
Nivia Charles is a Sickle Cell warrior, health equity advocate, and multidisciplinary consultant serving as Better Exists' Creative & Impact Strategist. She leads program development, funding strategy, and strategic partnerships that expand the organization's reach and impact. As the founder of Nherited Media LLC, Nivia brings expertise in storytelling, community engagement, and social impact. Her work centers lived experience as expertise, helping create innovative programs that foster healing, creativity, and equitable access to resources for the Sickle Cell community.
DeVonna Brockman
Media, Marketing & Wellness Programming Lead
DeVonna Brockman is a Sickle Cell warrior, advocate, and creative leader who oversees Media, Marketing, and Wellness Programming at Better Exists. She is responsible for shaping the organization's visual identity, developing compelling content, and creating communications that educate, inspire, and engage the community. In addition to leading marketing initiatives, DeVonna helps design wellness-focused programming that encourages healing, connection, and empowerment, ensuring the Better Exists mission reaches those who need it most.