My heart is incredibly full as I reflect on our 9th Annual Birthday Bash & Blood Drive. Each year, during Braden’s birthday month, we intentionally create this space to celebrate life, share knowledge with our community, and continue building a dedicated group of blood donors who understand just how life-saving their commitment truly is.
This event isn’t just a gathering, it’s a multifaceted expression of our purpose and passion, a lived-out reminder of our “why,” and a reflection of who we are deeply committed to supporting: those impacted by sickle cell disease.
And one thing that remains true for us: whether 10 people show up or 1,000, our dedication to this event and its purpose never changes. We will continue this advocacy with the same passion and commitment, with a continued goal of reaching every single person in our community who needs to hear this message.
I’m grateful and thankful for everyone who attended, volunteered, helped organize, and donated blood. Their presence, energy, and willingness to show up for others made this day meaningful in every way.
I’m deeply grateful for our partners who continue to stand with us. Thank you to the American Red Cross team and the Richland County Recreation Commission, with a special appreciation for the incredible staff at Caughman Road Park. Your support helps us create a space where community and impact can come together.
To my team, The B Strong Group Team….thank you for your heart, your dedication, and your consistency. This mission moves forward because of each of you.
Our Wellness in Motion theme truly came to life through our amazing exhibitors, vendors, and performers. From the high-energy Zumba session led by Baila Fusion Dance Fitness, to the powerful and fun closing demonstration by Soda City Double Dutch Club; every moment encouraged movement, connection, and joy. We are also thankful for Healthy Blue and Humana for providing valuable resources, as well as Custom Design Chics and Anointed Hands Creation for sharing their creativity with our community.
A special thank you to our talented youth performers: Peyton, Eva Jai, and Kensley for sharing their gifts through dance and lighting up the day.
We are especially grateful to the James R. Clark Memorial Sickle Cell Foundation for providing trait testing and continuing to stand alongside us in this work. Collaboration like this is what strengthens our community.
Another heartfelt thank you to Carlette Baaheth, Patient Educator with Vertex, for her continued support of the sickle cell community, and to Denise Teasdell with the American Red Cross for delivering such an engaging, hands-on CPR demonstration.
I also extend a heartfelt thank you to the Columbia Sigmas for their unwavering commitment to the sickle cell cause. Thank you for showing up, standing with us, and for your support that helps us continue this important work.
As I reflect, I’m reminded that this event represents so much more than a single day. It reflects a growing movement; one rooted in education, advocacy, and action. Each year, we are building something meaningful: a community that understands, a network that supports, and a group of committed blood donors who are helping to save lives.
I’m thankful to my community for celebrating with us, learning with us and most importantly, for standing with us.
We will continue to educate, advocate, and empower — together. 💛
-Brenda Anderson Green, A mom of an amazing sickle cell warrior & thriver
