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. Themed "20/20 Vision: Our Legacy Continues," the five-day event will convene patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and advocates to address the latest advances and persistent disparities in sickle cell disease (SCD) care. This milestone underscores the organization's enduring commitment to improving outcomes for the SCD community, a mission that began with a single patient's plea for better understanding and has evolved into a national platform for education and advocacy.
Dr. Carolyn Rowley, Executive Director and Founder of Cayenne Wellness Center, reflected on the summit's origins: "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, listened and responded. Although Stephanie passed away before she could see the first seminar she helped plan, her vision lives on." The summit has grown from a half-day gathering to a comprehensive four-day program, reflecting the expanding scope of SCD research and treatment.
The 2026 summit will showcase significant therapeutic progress. Since the discovery of sickle cell disease in 1910, the field has witnessed the approval of two gene therapies and three disease-modifying treatments by the FDA, alongside a robust pipeline of investigational therapies. These advancements offer new hope for patients, yet the summit also acknowledges the work that remains. Dr. Rowley emphasized, "We honor how far we have come, but we also recognize how far we still have to go. This 20th Annual SCD Educational Summit is more than an anniversary—it is a testament to every Warrior, caregiver, healthcare professional, advocate, and visionary like Stephanie who believed that people living with sickle cell disease deserved more."
The summit's agenda spans critical topics from clinical management to holistic well-being. On Wednesday, sessions will focus on FDA-approved and emerging therapies, red blood cell exchange, gene therapy, and community-engaged research, with an evening physician track addressing pain management and the experiences of doctors living with SCD. Thursday's program will explore integrative wellness practices such as acupuncture and sound healing, alongside discussions on sickle cell trait, reproductive health, and insurance navigation. Friday will cover life transitions, including dating, careers, aging, and financial planning, culminating in an awards ceremony and benefit concert. Saturday will delve into mental health, trauma, and the role of artificial intelligence in SCD care, while Sunday will feature the Scar Stories Exhibit, an artistic portrayal of SCD experiences.
Registration for the summit is now open, with options for in-person or online attendance. Interested participants can register at cayennewellness.org/scd-educational-summit-2026. Vendor and exhibitor opportunities are also available for organizations seeking to connect with attendees; reservations can be made at tinyurl.com/SVENDOR2026.
Cayenne Wellness Center and Children's Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2000, has been a trusted resource for SCD support in California, providing education, advocacy, and comprehensive care. The summit's 20th anniversary not only celebrates past achievements but also reinforces the ongoing need for innovation and equity in sickle cell disease management. As the community gathers in Long Beach, the event serves as a powerful reminder that collective action can transform the landscape of chronic illness care.
