Cayenne Wellness Center Announces 16th Annual Sickle Cell Disease Educational Summit

Cayenne Wellness Center is set to host its 16th Annual Sickle Cell Disease Educational Summit from September 18-21, 2024, in Torrance, California, and online. The event, themed "Unpacking Sickle Cell: One Warrior At A Time," is expected to draw over 1,000 virtual attendees and 200 in-person participants, including healthcare professionals, educators, social workers, students, individuals with sickle cell disease, and their families.

The four-day summit will cover a wide range of topics crucial to the sickle cell community. Day one will focus on FDA-approved therapies, pipeline treatments, and curative options, providing attendees with up-to-date information on medical advancements. The second day will address advocacy, emergency room experiences, incarcerated care, nurse training, sickle cell trait education, and newborn screening, concluding with a Celebration of Life ceremony.

Day three will feature keynote sessions, tributes to esteemed figures in the field, and specialized sessions for nurses, patients, and psychosocial considerations. The final day will offer additional keynote sessions with separate tracks for patients and physicians, covering various aspects of living with and treating sickle cell disease.

A highlight of the summit is the Hertz Nazaire 'Nod to Naz' Traveling Exhibit, brought by the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Inc. This exhibit, funded by Agios Pharmaceuticals and supported by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, showcases the artwork of the late Hertz Nazaire, a renowned sickle cell advocate known for his "Finding Your Colors" adult coloring book series. Nazaire's impactful work continues to raise awareness and inspire the sickle cell community.

The summit will also pay tribute to "Golden Warriors," individuals who have lived with sickle cell disease for over 70 years, highlighting the resilience and strength within the community. A self-care session, part of the Patient-Focused Track, will emphasize the importance of personal well-being for those living with the condition.

Adding a musical element to the event, a benefit concert featuring Matt Jamele and the Jammin' Jellies will provide entertainment for attendees. Proceeds from the concert will support individuals with sickle cell disease who need emergency assistance with housing, utilities, and food.

The comprehensive nature of this summit underscores the ongoing need for education, support, and awareness in the sickle cell community. By bringing together experts, patients, and advocates, the event aims to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those living with sickle cell disease and to explore innovative approaches to care and treatment.

Cayenne Wellness Center and Children's Foundation, the non-profit organization behind the summit, has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with sickle cell disease in California since 2000. Their commitment to providing expert, unbiased, and comprehensive care, along with education and advocacy efforts, has made a significant impact on the lives of many affected by this condition.

For those interested in attending this educational event, registration is available at https://cayennewellness.org/scd-educational-summit-2024. The summit offers a unique opportunity for knowledge sharing, community building, and advancing the understanding of sickle cell disease, making it a valuable event for anyone involved in or affected by this condition.