Vertex and NotJustYou: the partnership behind our community events

Many of the rooms where our community meets have one sponsor in common. Since NotJustYou’s first World Sickle Cell Day Brunch in June 2023, Vertex Canada has helped make possible the events where warriors, caregivers and allies meet in person.

Who Vertex is

Vertex describes itself as a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create medicines for people with serious diseases. Its research covers several conditions, including sickle cell disease, beta thalassemia, cystic fibrosis and type 1 diabetes. Vertex employs about 5,000 people in 21 countries, and its Canadian team has worked from an office in downtown Toronto since 2010.

Through its grants and giving program, Vertex Canada supports nonprofits and patient groups with patient education, advocacy and event sponsorships, and sickle cell disease is one of the areas it lists.

What Vertex has supported

• World Sickle Cell Day Brunch. Every brunch, from our first in June 2023 to the fourth in June 2026, with warrior panels and portraits.
• Cellular. Our stem cell drive and networking night in Toronto in 2024, our first event outside Edmonton, then Calgary in 2025 and Vancouver in 2026.
• The Kickback 2025, our rooftop celebration to open Sickle Cell Awareness Month.

At Cellular Vancouver in March 2026, Vertex also announced a scholarship program for people and families affected by sickle cell disease. See photos and recaps from these nights in past events.

What the partnership covers

Vertex’s sponsorship helps cover the cost of our community events. For questions about treatment, talk to your hematologist or care team. Our treatment guides can help you prepare for that conversation.