World Sickle Cell Day Brunch 2025

NotJustYou’s World Sickle Cell Day Brunch remains one of our most meaningful and intimate gatherings of the year, a space created to center sickle cell warriors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and advocates in conversation, reflection, and community.

The brunch featured a powerful keynote by Dr. Adedamola “Dammy” Bello, internal medicine physician and sickle cell warrior, who spoke candidly about the Canadian realities of living at the intersection of being both a patient and a doctor with sickle cell disease. His remarks highlighted the consequences of delayed screening, the importance of intentional family planning, and the responsibility we all share in preventing avoidable outcomes through education and awareness.

Following the keynote, guests engaged in a heartfelt panel discussion moderated by psychologist and author Esther Marah, featuring Dr. Bello, Revée Agyepong Brown , Canada’s first adult patient cured of sickle cell disease via stem cell transplant, and Nancy Onuche, a sickle cell warrior, student, and mental health advocate. Together, the panel shared deeply personal stories that underscored the emotional, physical, and social realities of living with sickle cell disease.

More than just a brunch, the event created space for healing, validation, and visibility, allowing attendees to see themselves reflected, celebrated, and understood. We are deeply grateful to Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Goava Studio, and Layered for sponsoring our World Sickle Cell Day Brunch. Your continued support allows us to center lived experience, create impactful spaces, and strengthen care and advocacy for the sickle cell community.