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 event held in Eastover, SC at RCRC/Eastover Park 1031 Main St. where we will bike, walk or run a scenic course through the Town and return to the park for fun, learning, blood drive, games and food all FREE to the community. Kids will be able to get some school supplies and everyone will be eligible to receive door prizes! We are exicited to once again partner with the Richland County Recreation Commission and the American Red Cross to host this community event!

South Carolina Sickle Cell Day at the Capitol
Friday, June 19, 2026 | 10:00 AM
SC State House Grounds – Columbia, SC

Meet Us At The State House!!

Join caregivers, patients, advocates, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and allies from across South Carolina for a meaningful day of awareness, education, and advocacy at the State Capitol.

South Carolina Sickle Cell Day at the Capitol is dedicated to elevating the voices of those impacted by sickle cell disease, honoring their journeys, and advocating for improved care, policies, and resources. This impactful gathering will create space for education, connection, and action—bringing together the community and lawmakers to highlight the urgent needs of individuals and families living with sickle cell disease.

Through powerful testimonies, educational moments, and collective advocacy, we aim to increase awareness, inspire change, and strengthen support for the sickle cell community across our state.

Together, we stand in unity to educate, advocate, and empower.

Our program will begin promptly at 10 am:

Welcome

Opening Remarks

State of Sickle Cell Disease in South Carolina

Panel/Shared Stories

Closing Remarks with Call to Action

Refreshments will be provided

Join us for another Stronger Together Blood Drive, a powerful day of unity, compassion, and life-saving action. Hosted by The B Strong Group and other community advocacy organizations, this event brings together our community to honor those living with sickle cell disease and to support the critical need for diverse blood donations and the need for sickle cell awareness in our community.

Every drop makes a difference—especially for patients who rely on closely matched blood for regular transfusions. By donating, you’re not only saving lives, you’re standing in solidarity with families like ours.

Join us for our lunch & learn where you will learn more about sickle cell disease from a representative from Vertex Pharmaceuticals,  hear the lived experience from our young adult patients: From Pain to Power, and hear from the local community based organizations and community partners.

Let’s show what’s possible when we come together for a purpose bigger than us. Whether you’re a first-time donor or a returning hero, we can’t wait to see you there. Together, we are stronger. 💪🏾🩸

Thank you, Vertex Pharmaceuticals.

Thank you, American Red Cross.