Cayenne Wellness Center is set to host its 20th Annual Sickle Cell Disease Educational Summit from September 16 to 20, 2026, at the Marriott Long Beach Downtown in Long Beach, California. The event, themed "20/20 Vision: Our Legacy Continues," will bring together patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and advocates to discuss the latest advancements and persistent issues in sickle cell disease (SCD) care.
The summit's origins trace back to a patient's plea for better understanding. "Twenty years ago, this Summit began because one Warrior demanded more—more awareness, more education, and more understanding from the healthcare professionals caring for them," said Dr. Carolyn Rowley, Executive Director and Founder of Cayenne Wellness Center. The vision of Stephanie Mulkey, a Warrior, and Pat Corley, RN, has evolved from a half-day gathering to a five-day comprehensive program.
This year's summit arrives at a pivotal time in SCD treatment. Since Dr. James B. Herrick's first description of sickle-shaped cells in 1910, the field has seen remarkable progress. "One hundred and sixteen years later, we enter our 20th Annual SCD Educational Summit with two FDA-approved gene therapies and three FDA-approved disease-modifying treatments," Rowley noted. The event will explore these breakthroughs while addressing the everyday realities of living with the disease.
The program spans five days, each with a distinct focus. Wednesday will concentrate on treatment and research, including sessions on emerging therapies, red blood cell exchange, and a physician panel on pain management. Thursday will cover wellness practices like acupuncture and nutrition, as well as sickle cell trait and reproductive health. Friday shifts to living and thriving across the lifespan, with topics such as transition, dating, career, and financial planning, culminating in an award ceremony and benefit concert. Saturday will delve into mental health, technology, and storytelling, featuring discussions on AI in medicine and personal narratives. The summit concludes Sunday with a visit to the Scar Stories Exhibit, an artistic portrayal of SCD experiences.
The event is designed for a diverse audience, including healthcare professionals, educators, social workers, students, and families affected by SCD. Registration is now open, with options to attend in person or online. Those interested can register at cayennewellness.org/scd-educational-summit-2026. Vendor and exhibitor opportunities are also available for organizations seeking to connect with attendees, with details at tinyurl.com/SVENDOR2026.
Agios serves as the Ruby Level title sponsor for the summit. Cayenne Wellness Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2000, continues to champion education, advocacy, and support for the SCD community. The organization's efforts underscore a commitment to improving quality of life and advancing equity in healthcare.
