Events

We are excited to host our 3rd Annual South Carolina Sickle Cell Symposium! In 2024, we hosted our inaugural symposium and shared the State of Sickle Cell Disease in SC and in the nation and world. We had renowned speakers including Dr. Wanda Whitten-Shurney, Dr. Payal Desai, Dr. Julie Kanter, advocates including Teonna Woolford with SC RED; contributions from Dr. Lori Vick and Dr. Coretta Jenerette and participation from our own SC medical providers, Dr. Carla Roberts, Dr. Jeff Schatz and Shonequa Smith, Social Worker. We followed in 2025 with our 2nd Annual Symposium with the theme, Access to Quality Care for Sickle Cell Patients in SC. Our keynote speaker was Dr. Christina Abrams, MUSC with contributions from State Representative Chandra Dillard, fellow caregivers and patients for our Patient/Caregiver Panel, medical providers from both adult and pediatric care for our Provider Panel. Both symposiums were moderated by Dr. Tracie Swilley, 2024 National Principal of the Year, Assistant Superintendent of Fairfield Central School District. We ended each symposium with a networking event. Our exhibitors included state agencies, community based organizations, pharmaceutical companies and medical institutions and organizations. The B Strong Team worked tirelessly with planning and organizing of these events.Our symposium’s ongoing mission of Advancing Change Through Education, Advocacy, and Collaboration will continue to shape whatever action in needed to improve care for all impacted by sickle cell disease in South Carolina.

As planning continues, we will reveal our theme, speakers and remaining details of this amazing event. Join us and bring a colleague, friend, family member or ally.

Join us for our annual T’is the Season to B a Life Saver Blood Drive. This annual event will allow us to continue the season of giving through blood donation. We will also have an opportunity to learn about sickle cell disease and understand how your support allows those impacted by sickle cell disease the opportunity to live and thrive. Invite your family and friends to this event of giving and learning. Lunch will be provided!

Also, our Founder & CEO, Brenda Green will be available to sign her book, “Get You A Village” and talk about it. Grab your book today and bring it with you on December 30!

The Fifth Annual Virtual Sickle Cell Caregiver Summit is back! From November 13–16, 2025, caregivers, advocates, and healthcare leaders will come together for four days of connection, self-care, and learning. This year’s theme, The Heart of Caregiving: Balancing Mental Wellness, Advocacy, and Legacy, celebrates the resilience and compassion of those who care for individuals living with Sickle Cell Disease.

Register now at www.SCDCaregivers.org/register

2nd Annual South Carolina Sickle Cell Symposium
Saturday, October 4, 2025 – Columbia, SC 

SC Department of Archives and History

8:00 am – 8:55am Check In

9:00 am – 3:00 pm 

Networking Event immediately following end of symposium

2nd Annual South Carolina Sickle Cell Symposium
Empowering Change – Advancing Education, Advocacy, and Collaboration

The B Strong Group proudly presents our 2nd Annual South Carolina Sickle Cell Symposium, an impactful gathering designed to unite caregivers, patients, healthcare providers, educators, community leaders and community advocates to explore solutions, share lived experiences, and build partnerships that drive change. Together, we are continuing the momentum from our inaugural event to demand better care, stronger support systems, and health equity for all.

We are honored to welcome back Dr. Tracie Swilley, 2025 National Principal of the Year, as our symposium moderator. After powerfully moderating our inaugural event, Dr. Swilley will once again lead our full agenda with her signature grace, insight, and passion.

This year’s keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Christina Abrams, Pediatric Hematologist at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), whose expertise and dedication to children with sickle cell disease continue to make a lasting impact in our state.

Our agenda will feature:

• A patient panel sharing lived experiences and resilience

• A provider panel offering medical insights and collaborative solutions

• Special messages including from Dr. Alan Anderson (Prisma Health Upstate)

• Remarks from State Representative Chandra Dillard, highlighting why policy matters in ensuring access to quality care

• A heartfelt message from our founding family, sharing what this event means to families impacted by sickle cell disease

To conclude this powerful day, Dr. Swilley will issue a stirring call to action, empowering every attendee to become an advocate and ally in this crucial work.

Attendees will enjoy a continental breakfast and lunch, and are warmly invited to stay for a networking event with light appetizers immediately following the closing of the symposium.