The 6th Annual Sickle Cell Caregiver Summit will convene caregivers, individuals living with sickle cell disease, healthcare professionals, and advocates from around the world for a three-day virtual gathering from November 13–15, 2026. Co-hosted by Cleverly Changing, LLC; The B Strong Group, Inc.; and Discovering Moorer2Life, the event aims to elevate caregiver voices, strengthen family support systems, and expand access to education and resources. With support from sponsors Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc., Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Pfizer Inc., the summit addresses the often-overlooked needs of those who manage medical appointments, navigate healthcare systems, and provide emotional support for loved ones with sickle cell disease.
The importance of this announcement lies in its explicit focus on caregiver wellness and global accessibility. Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that can cause severe pain, anemia, organ damage, and other serious complications, and families frequently face emotional, financial, educational, and social barriers. The 2026 summit responds with sessions such as “When the Caregiver Needs Care,” which highlights emotional health and support for caregivers, and “Caregiving Without Borders,” an international conversation featuring perspectives from Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, and Germany. By offering free registration for international attendees and scholarship opportunities, the summit removes financial barriers and encourages a broader exchange of ideas, resources, and experiences across cultures and healthcare systems.
“Caregivers are often the people holding everything together, yet their own needs can go unnoticed,” said Carley Cole-Cavins, founder of Cleverly Changing, LLC and co-founder of the Sickle Cell Caregiver Summit. “We created this summit five years ago because caregivers deserve more than recognition. They deserve education, resources, meaningful connections, and a community that understands their experiences. Our goal is to ensure that no caregiver feels they have to navigate this journey alone.” That mission is reflected in the diverse session lineup, which also includes “Caring Through Crisis,” “Caregiver Stories That Heal,” a Young Storytellers Workshop for children ages 4–13, and an “Allies in Action” discussion on how community organizations and faith-based groups can strengthen family support systems.
General registration is available at https://www.scdcaregivers.org/register, while international attendees can register for free at https://tinyurl.com/37b782zb. The hosting organizations bring complementary strengths: Cleverly Changing, LLC is a family education and health literacy platform founded in 2010 by award-winning author and caregiver advocate Elle Cole, and The B Strong Group, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering families impacted by sickle cell disease through education, advocacy, and community engagement. Discovering Moorer2Life, founded by Andre and Cynthia Moorer, contributes a focus on health equity and support for families affected by sickle cell and other chronic conditions. Together, these organizations underscore the summit’s emphasis on lived experience and collaborative action.
As the sixth iteration of a caregiver-led event, the summit’s growth signals a sustained commitment to centering caregiver expertise in sickle cell care. The global format and free international access mean that families and advocates can participate regardless of geographic location, fostering a wider exchange of strategies for navigating the challenges of sickle cell disease. For a community where caregiving responsibilities often extend across borders and generations, the 2026 summit represents a significant step toward ensuring that no caregiver navigates the journey alone.
