Fifth Annual Sickle Cell Caregiver Summit Focuses on Mental Wellness and Legacy Building

The Sickle Cell Community Consortium (SC3), in collaboration with Cleverly Changing, LLC, The B Strong Group, and Discovering Moorer2Life, is hosting the Fifth Annual Sickle Cell Caregiver Summit virtually from November 13–16, 2025. This year's theme, "The Heart of Caregiving: Balancing Mental Wellness, Advocacy, and Legacy," recognizes the critical role caregivers play in supporting individuals with sickle cell disease while maintaining their own well-being.

The summit brings together caregivers, patients, healthcare providers, and advocates from around the world for four days of educational programming designed specifically for those on the front lines of sickle cell care. With support from Title Sponsor Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Platinum Plus Sponsor Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, the event has grown into one of the largest caregiver-led conferences in the sickle cell community. These partnerships help ensure caregiver voices remain central to national conversations about sickle cell disease and its impact on families.

Mental health and wellness sessions form a core component of the summit programming, offering daily workshops that provide practical tools for emotional resilience and spiritual renewal. These sessions address the unique challenges faced by caregivers who often prioritize their loved ones' needs above their own mental health. The programming also includes family-centered discussions tailored for parents, siblings, spouses, and extended family members who share caregiving responsibilities.

Entertainment elements include interactive games, prizes, and an exclusive screening of an upcoming sickle cell docuseries by filmmaker Janks Morton. These components provide caregivers with much-needed moments of relaxation and connection while highlighting important stories from the sickle cell community. The summit's virtual format allows for global participation, breaking down geographical barriers that often limit access to specialized support for sickle cell caregivers.

For over a decade, the Sickle Cell Community Consortium has worked to bridge the gap between research and real-life patient experiences. The caregiver summit continues this mission by connecting communities, advancing advocacy efforts, and promoting mental wellness within families living with sickle cell disease daily. Registration for the virtual event is available at https://scdcaregivers.org.

The impact of this summit extends beyond the four-day event, as caregivers gain skills and support networks that benefit them throughout the year. By addressing both practical caregiving techniques and emotional well-being, the programming helps prevent caregiver burnout while improving the quality of care provided to individuals with sickle cell disease. The emphasis on legacy building encourages caregivers to document their experiences and advocate for systemic changes that will benefit future generations affected by this condition.

This gathering represents a significant step toward recognizing the vital contributions of sickle cell caregivers while providing them with the resources needed to sustain their important work. As caregiver voices become more prominent in healthcare discussions, events like this summit help shape policies and practices that better support families navigating chronic illness.