3rd Annual South Carolina Sickle Cell Symposium

We are excited to host our 3rd Annual South Carolina Sickle Cell Symposium! This is a CME/CEU educational event!

Register today! https://tinyurl.com/rvhz5xnp

Join The B Strong Group for the 3rd Annual South Carolina Sickle Cell Symposium, themed “Knowledge, Care, and Choice: Reproductive Health in Sickle Cell.” This year’s symposium will address an important and often under-discussed part of the sickle cell journey, how sickle cell disease and its treatments can impact reproductive health, fertility, pregnancy, family planning, and personal choices for both men and women.

We are honored to welcome Dr. Deva Sharma of Vanderbilt University Medical Center as our keynote speaker and Dr. Tracie Swilley as our symposium moderator. The program will also feature our signature Patient/Caregiver Panel and Provider Panel, bringing lived experience and medical expertise together in the same conversation.

Why this symposium? Because individuals and families impacted by sickle cell disease deserve access to information that helps them understand their options, ask informed questions, and make decisions about their health and future. By bringing patients, caregivers, providers, and community partners together, we are Advancing Change Through Education, Advocacy, and Collaboration.

History of this 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.

Thank you to our 2026 Symposium Sponsors!

Genetix

Pfizer

Chiesi

Agios

Novo Nordisk