Sickle Cell Community

Embracing Change Together

Click here to see more pictures from the 2019 Convention!
The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc.’s 47th Annual National Convention was a huge success! We had over 700 registrants from around the world including Canada, London, Nigeria, Sweden, Suriname and Ghana! Thank you to our attendees for joining us for this event. We hope you are renewed and refreshed by the people you have met, learned from, and connected with in Baltimore!
SCDAA worked hard to bring you an educational, inspirational, and informative convention. We thank our convention planning committee co-chairs, Dr. Biree Andemariam, chief medical officer, and Dr. Lewis Hsu, vice chief medical officer, the convention planning committee, and the SCDAA Board and staff.
We are grateful to our speakers, sponsors, our new National Media Partner, EBONY, and our convention media partner, Blackdoctor.org. All of you play a critical role in the success and longevity of this annual convention!

Lonzie Lee Jones Patient Symposium

For the third year in a row, our attendees enjoyed a “Family Feud” themed Lonzie Lee Jones Patient Symposium. The session was moderated by SCDAA Health Services Program Coordinator, Siye Tekeste. SCDAA Communications Specialist, Spencer Wyatt, served as host for the event. The event provided a fun and competitive way to learn about sickle cell.
 

Keynote Speakers Provided Important Research Information

Dr. Amanda Brandow was the Charles F. Whitten, MD Lecturer. Dr. Marie Olivieri Russell served as the Clarice D. Reid Lecturer. We thank them and all of our wonderful speakers for their informative presentations and sharing their knowledge with us.
 

Generation “S” Rock the Block Party

Novartis continues their partnership with Jordin Sparks and SCDAA to launch Generation S, a national SCD storytelling project that will help rewrite the SCD story for generations to come. SCDAA thanks Novartis for the partnership to increase awareness about SCD, for presenting the “Rock the Block” Party hosted by Funkmaster Flex. Childhood Ambassador, Kiarra Roseburgh initiated our convention’s Opening Ceremony with a few brief remarks as she continues to represent SCDAA as National Child Ambassador. The Rock the Block Party then gave the floor to SCDAA President, Beverley Francis-Gibson, and Chairman of the Board, David Braxton, to discuss ways to engage  the community with information about SCD.
 

Unity Soiree Gala

One of SCDAA’s most exciting events during its 4 day convention, The Caribbean experience and Red Carpet at this year’s Unity Soiree brought together the sickle cell community for a night of dancing, awards, recognition and music by DJ SUPAFLY! Select individuals were honored for their research and admirable contributions to the Sickle Cell Community.  SCDAA President, Beverley Francis-Gibson had kind words for all that attended the event. Many thanks to Pfizer and all of our sponsors for supporting the Unity Soiree and our 47th Annual National Convention!