Linda Thomas Wade is the President, CEO and Co-Founder of the Sickle Cell Association of Texas Marc Thomas Foundation which started in 1997 by Marc Thomas and Linda. Linda is a former United States Health and Human Services (Patient Advocate) Advisor on Blood Safety and Availability Committee in Washington, D.C. appointed under the Bush Administration and served one term under President Obama’s Administration. Linda served several years on the Genetics Regional Mountain States Collaborative. In 2009, Linda had an exclusive White House Oval Office invitation where she met with former President Barack Obama in his first 100 days in office to discuss the challenges of sickle cell disease. She met with former Governor George W. Bush at the Governor’s Mansion to discuss the state challenges of sickle cell disease. She was also invited to Imo State Nigeria, where she was hosted by the Government to educate about sickle cell disease, dispelling myths and misconceptions. Linda has served hundreds of clients by providing: certified hemoglobinopathy education to patients, patient advocacy, health care professional education, medical home placement, notified hundreds of parents that their newborn has sickle cell trait through the Texas Department of State Health Services Newborn Screening Program, Linda was instrumental in getting legislation passed for newborn sickle cell trait testing in the State of Texas. Linda has assisted and established partnerships and relationships with the City of Austin, City of Houston, Sickle Cell Houston Collaborative, Department of State Health Services, Austin Travis County Health and Human Services Department, SCDAA and HRSA among others. Linda currently oversees three office locations in Houston, San Antonio and Austin with 14 staff members.