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.