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Ashley Perenich is a highly skilled Physician Assistant at the Spine Institute of Florida, where she works closely with Dr. Nicholas Perenich and the rest of the surgical team to provide exceptional care to patients. Ashley earned her Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from University of South Florida’s Morsani College of Medicine and has since specialized in orthopedics and spine surgery.

As a Physician Assistant, Ashley is responsible for performing physical exams, diagnosing and treating injuries and illnesses, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and assisting in surgical procedures. She is passionate about helping patients understand their condition and treatment options, and works closely with them to develop personalized treatment plans that meet their unique needs.

Ashley is a member of several professional organizations, including the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants and the American Academy of Physician Assistants. She is committed to staying up-to-date on the latest advancements in her field through continuing education and attending conferences and seminars.

In her free time, Ashley enjoys traveling, yoga, wakesurfing, and spending time with her husband, Dr. Nicholas Perenich, and their family.

Dr. Kennessa Hugger is a physician serving patients across FSCDR’s North Florida locations, including Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Pensacola, and Panama City. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals living with sickle cell disease, with a focus on improving health outcomes through education, prevention, and comprehensive treatment support. Dr. Hugger is committed to ensuring patients throughout North Florida have access to quality care and resources close to home.

Gershwin Blyden, MD, PhD, FCP, FACP, is a board-certified hematologist-oncologist and medical director of The Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research, with locations in Homestead, Orlando, Lakeland, Jacksonville, Belle Glade, Tallahassee, and Hollywood, Florida. With more than 40 years of diverse experience, Dr. Blyden is an esteemed physician in his field.

After receiving his bachelor’s degree in plant science from the Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) in Tuskegee, Alabama, in 1967, Dr. Blyden earned a PhD in pharmacology from prestigious Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1976. Just three years later, he also earned his medical doctorate cum laude from Yale University.

In 1985, Dr. Blyden completed an internal medicine internship at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. That same year, he also finished his hematology/oncology and clinical pharmacology fellowship at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. 

After graduating and completing his training, Dr. Blyden worked as an adjunct professor for the Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine in Miami Shores, Florida, an associate clinical professor of hematology and oncology at the University of Miami School of Medicine in Miami, Florida, and as an associate professor of clinical pharmacy and director of the Clinical Pharmacology Research Unit at Florida A&M University’s Miami location.

Today, Dr. Blyden is a leader in the field of sickle cell treatment, case management, and research. He provides comprehensive care for chronic diseases, with a special emphasis on sickle cell anemia. 

Dr. Blyden offers a variety of infusion services, school individualized education program (IEP) support, transcranial Doppler ultrasounds, and more.

About Us

The Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research (FSCDR) is a renowned organization solely focused on medical care and clinical research opportunities for those living with Sickle Cell Disease. FSCDR has locations across the State of Florida. Its Flagship is in Hollywood, Florida.

As the only organization in the United States with standalone sickle cell Centers of Excellence, The Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research welcomes patients from all over the world. The team of physicians, specialists, care coordinators, case managers, and social work professionals combine to provide all-inclusive care for children and adults with sickle cell disease.

Their stated mission is to tirelessly research, inform, hear, respect, treat, and support all individuals with sickle cell disease, and to make the disease a livable, non-threatening condition. In addition, they do innovative diagnostic testing, such as transcranial Doppler ultrasounds, X-rays, and medical treatments, including infusion services.

The team at The Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research works with other medical and education professionals to ensure that their patients of all ages receive the care and support they need to thrive, ranging from vaccinations to medication management and social work services.

Along with school individualized educational plan (IEP) support, disability application assistance, and case management, they help patients work through the social determinants of health to ensure patients receive the proper support they need.

To schedule an appointment with The Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research, call or book online today.

Dr. Ronoel Penalver is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician serving patients at FSCDR’s Hollywood, Florida location. He provides comprehensive care focused on prevention, chronic disease management, and improving long-term health outcomes for individuals living with sickle cell disease.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Penalver contributes to clinical research efforts that support the advancement of treatment options and patient care. He is committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care while helping expand access to innovative therapies and medical resources for the communities FSCDR serves.

Dr. Melodie Mope, M.D. obtained her medical degree from St. Matthews University School of Medicine, and completed her Residency at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri in Family Medicine. Dr. Mope is also the Family Medicine Clerkship Director for FSU's Orlando Campus. She works closely with medical students and helps teach them the importance of giving quality care to all patients. She received an award in 2019 for “Best of the Best in Patient Experience” as well as Orlando Magazine’s Top Doc award 4 consecutive years in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. She will continue to provide that same “award winning” care to her patients in the community she lives in. To her, being a doctor is more than just taking care of a patient, she believes in getting to know her patients and treating them like family, creating an environment and relationship that will help lead to, or continue, a healthy lifestyle for years to come.