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 milestone event, themed "20/20 Vision: Our Legacy Continues," will bring together patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and advocates for five days of education, connection, and celebration. Agios serves as the Ruby Level title sponsor.
The summit's origins trace back to a patient's demand for better care. As Dr. Carolyn Rowley, Executive Director and Founder of Cayenne Wellness Center, explains, "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." Stephanie Mulkey, a Warrior, and Pat Corley, RN, heeded that call, and although Mulkey passed before the first seminar, her vision endured. What started as a half-day gathering has expanded into a comprehensive four-day program.
This year's summit arrives at a pivotal time in sickle cell disease (SCD) management. Since Dr. James B. Herrick first described the disease in 1910, the medical community has witnessed the approval of two gene therapies and three disease-modifying treatments. Yet, as Dr. Rowley emphasizes, "We honor how far we have come, but we also recognize how far we still have to go." The summit will address both cutting-edge science and the daily realities of living with SCD.
The agenda spans a wide range of topics. On Wednesday, sessions will focus on FDA-approved and emerging therapies, red blood cell exchange, gene therapy, and community-engaged research. A physician track will include discussions on pain management and a panel titled "Real Talk, Real Pain: Perspectives from Physicians Living with Sickle Cell Disease." Thursday shifts to wellness, covering acupuncture, sound healing, nutrition, sickle cell trait awareness, and reproductive health. Friday's schedule addresses life transitions, relationships, careers, aging, and financial planning, culminating in an awards ceremony and benefit concert. Saturday explores mental health, trauma, and the role of artificial intelligence in SCD care, alongside storytelling sessions. The summit concludes Sunday with a visit to the Scar Stories Exhibit, an artistic portrayal of SCD experiences.
Registration is now open for warriors, families, caregivers, and professionals. Interested participants can register at https://cayennewellness.org/scd-educational-summit-2026/. Vendor and exhibitor opportunities are also available for organizations seeking to connect with attendees, with details at https://tinyurl.com/SVENDOR2026.
Cayenne Wellness Center and Children's Foundation, established in 2000, is a nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life for those with sickle cell disease in California. Through education, advocacy, and support, it continues to be a trusted resource. The 20th summit stands as a testament to the progress made and the work that remains, honoring the legacy of those who demanded more.
