Cayenne Wellness Center is set to host its 16th Annual Sickle Cell Disease Educational Summit, a significant event aimed at increasing awareness and education about sickle cell disease (SCD) and its related traits. Scheduled from September 18 to 21, 2024, the summit will be conducted in a hybrid format, accommodating over 1,000 virtual attendees and around 200 in-person participants in Torrance, California.
The theme for this year’s summit, "Unpacking Sickle Cell: One Warrior At A Time," underlines the comprehensive approach to addressing the various facets of SCD. The summit targets a diverse audience including healthcare professionals, educators, social workers, students, individuals with sickle cell disease, their families, and the broader community.
The event promises an enriching educational experience, focusing on the empowerment of attendees through knowledge-sharing and active community engagement. Participants will have the opportunity to delve into a range of topics through lectures, discussions, and interactive sessions designed to enhance their understanding of sickle cell disease and its management.
The summit's agenda is meticulously structured over four days, each dedicated to specific aspects of SCD. Day One will cover FDA-approved therapies, pipeline treatments, and curative options, providing critical insights into current and future medical advancements. On Day Two, topics such as advocacy, emergency room experiences, incarcerated care, nurse training, sickle cell trait education, newborn screening, and a Celebration of Life ceremony will be explored.
Day Three features keynote sessions, tributes to prominent figures in the field, and specialized sessions tailored for nurses and patients, with a focus on psychosocial considerations. The final day, Day Four, will include additional keynote sessions with tracks dedicated to both patients and physicians, covering various aspects of living with or treating sickle cell disease.
A key highlight of the summit is the Hertz Nazaire 'Nod to Naz' Traveling Exhibit, presented by the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Inc. and funded by Agios Pharmaceuticals with support from Vertex Pharmaceuticals. This exhibit showcases the artwork of the late Hertz Nazaire, a renowned artist and advocate for sickle cell disease, known for his "Finding Your Colors" adult coloring book series. The exhibit serves as a powerful testament to Nazaire’s enduring impact on the sickle cell community.
Additionally, the summit will include a Tribute to Golden Warriors, honoring individuals who have lived with sickle cell disease for over 70 years. For those interested in the exhibit alone, registration is available separately.
Another significant component is the Self-Care Session, part of the Patient-Focused Track, emphasizing the importance of self-care for individuals with sickle cell disease. The summit will conclude with a Benefit Concert featuring Matt Jamele and the Jammin' Jellies, aimed at raising funds to support individuals with sickle cell disease who require emergency assistance with housing, utilities, food, and other necessities.
The Annual Sickle Cell Disease Educational Summit by Cayenne Wellness Center is more than just a conference; it is a crucial platform for education, advocacy, and community support, aiming to improve the quality of life for those affected by sickle cell disease.
