What a difference a year can make!

❤️ I'm excited and honored to be returning to Destin, Florida, for my second year as a speaker at Sickle Cell Disease: Impacting Policy and Procedure! When I spoke at last year's conference, I shared portions of my advocacy journey, including our efforts to advance sickle cell legislation in Georgia. At the time, that legislation was still a work in progress. This year, I'm returning with a very different story to tell. WE GOT THE BILL PASSED! 🙌🏾 What began as a simple idea on New Year's Eve in 2022 became Georgia's Sickle Cell Disease Protection Act in 2026! I'm looking forward to sharing that journey—from researching and proposing legislation to building relationships across party lines, navigating setbacks, and ultimately seeing HB 334 signed into law. More importantly, I hope our experience encourages other patients, caregivers, and advocates to recognize the power of their own voices. You don't have to be a lawmaker or policy expert to help bring about meaningful change. I'm grateful to the conference organizers for inviting me back and creating space for conversations that move us beyond awareness and toward action. And while we're celebrating this legislative victory, our work is far from over. The next chapter will be understanding what this law means for the people it was intended to serve. 📍 Destin, Florida | November 6–7, 2026 Visit www.sicklecellfoundation.org for more information. I look forward to reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting others who are committed to moving sickle cell advocacy forward! ❤️ #SickleCellAdvocacy #SickleCellDisease #PolicyChange #SickleCellConference