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Part of Sickle Cell Disease on Somebody To Talk To

Sickle Cell Disease sessions

Free, live conversations for people living with sickle cell disease, their families and the people caring for them.

13 upcoming137 past

Next session

Less Stress, Better Care: Prepare for Tests, Procedures and Results

· 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM ET · Colin Kloock, MD

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Past sessions

September 2026

  1. 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM ET

    Second Opinions: When to Seek One and How to Involve Your Care Team

    Presenters
    • Portrait of Taimur Sher, MBBS, MD

      Taimur Sher, MBBS, MD

      Mayo Clinic

    • Portrait of Awais A. Malik, MD

      Awais A. Malik, MD

      Mayo Clinic

    Making decisions about your care can be challenging, and sometimes a second opinion can provide added clarity and confidence. Learn from Dr. Ailawadhi when seeking another medical perspective may be helpful, how to request one respectfully, and how to keep your healthcare team working together to support your care.
  2. 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM ET

    Learning to Receive Help: Why Accepting Support Matters Most

    Presenter
    • Portrait of Erica Bryan-Wegner, MSW, LICSW

      Erica Bryan-Wegner, MSW, LICSW

      Mayo Clinic

    Accepting help isn't always easy, but it can make a meaningful difference in your well-being. Learn why receiving support is a sign of strength, how to overcome common barriers to asking for help, and ways to build a strong network of family, friends, and healthcare professionals throughout your journey.
  3. 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET

    Sickle Cell: Strategies to Feel Better Today and Protect Your Future

    Presenter
    • Portrait of Ify Osunkwo, MD, MPH

      Ify Osunkwo, MD, MPH

    Practical strategies for living well now while protecting your long-term health
  4. 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM ET

    Your First Mayo Clinic Evaluation: What to Expect and How to Prepare

    Presenter
    • Portrait of Cecelia Hernandez, MSN-CNE, BSN, CCRN, CCTN

      Cecelia Hernandez, MSN-CNE, BSN, CCRN, CCTN

      Mayo Clinic

    Preparing for your first Mayo Clinic visit can help you get the most from your appointment. Learn what to expect during your evaluation, how to gather important medical records and questions, and how the care team works together to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
  5. 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET

    Transfusion Therapies & RBC Exchange: Long-Term Health & Curative Care

    Presenter
    • Portrait of Deva Sharma, MD, MS

      Deva Sharma, MD, MS

      Vanderbilt Health

    Transfusion therapies, including red blood cell (RBC) exchange, play an important role in managing sickle cell disease and preventing long-term complications. Learn how these therapies work, when they may be recommended, and how they fit alongside emerging curative treatment options to support long-term health.

August 2026

  1. 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM ET

    Understanding Your Care Journey: From Testing to Treatment

    Presenter
    • Portrait of Brian L. Miller II, RN, MSN, CCRN

      Brian L. Miller II, RN, MSN, CCRN

      Vanderbilt Health

    Session topic, presenter, and description are pending confirmation.
  2. 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM ET

    When Rare Disease Tests Our Most Important Relationships

    Presenter
    • Portrait of Missy Maxwell, BSSW

      Missy Maxwell, BSSW

      Vanderbilt Health

    Join us to explore how rare diseases can impact relationships and discover strategies to strengthen bonds with loved ones. Learn from experts and connect with others facing similar challenges in a supportive environment. Together, we can find strength through understanding and shared experiences.
  3. 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET

    Sadness or Depression? How to Know When It Is Time to Get Support

    Presenter
    • Portrait of Krystal Griffin, MS CMHC

      Krystal Griffin, MS CMHC

    Sadness is a natural part of life, but when it lasts, deepens, or begins to affect sleep, energy, relationships, or daily functioning, it may be time for more support; learn how to recognize signs of depression, understand what help can look like, start the conversation, and reach out for care without shame, fear, or judgment.
  4. 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM ET

    Taking Care of Caregivers: Recognizing the Load They Carry

    Presenter
    • Portrait of Adrienne Molteni, RN III

      Adrienne Molteni, RN III

      Vanderbilt Health

    Learn how to navigate a complex care system with multiple subspecialty providers, appointments, tests, and follow-up needs. This session helps patients and care partners understand care-team roles, prepare questions, track recommendations, keep communication organized, and make care feel clearer, coordinated, manageable, and less overwhelming.
  5. 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM ET

    Living Well with Chronic Illness: Building a Daily Gratitude Practice

    Presenter
    • Portrait of Hamide Eygoren, MAPP

      Hamide Eygoren, MAPP

    Practical strategies to manage stress, adapt to change, and maintain well-being.
  6. 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET

    A Path to Cure: CRISPR for Sickle Cell & Beta Thalassemia

    Presenter
    • Portrait of Haydar Frangoul, MD, MS

      Haydar Frangoul, MD, MS

    CRISPR and gene therapy are changing what's possible for people living with sickle cell disease. Learn how these groundbreaking treatments work, the results seen in patients so far, who may be eligible, and what future advances could mean for improving long-term health and quality of life.
  7. 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM ET

    Emergency Preparedness 101: Create a Plan Before You Need One

    Presenter
    • Portrait of Natalie R. Castillo, APRN

      Natalie R. Castillo, APRN

      Vanderbilt Health

    Learn how to create a personalized emergency plan, organize critical medical information, and prepare your family and care team before urgent situations happen. This session helps patients and care partners know what to keep ready, who to contact, and how to respond quickly and confidently when unexpected health issues or symptom changes arise.