For five years, the KD Hall Foundation has brought together patients, families, healthcare leaders, community partners, and blood donors to raise awareness of sickle cell disease and help save lives through blood donation. This year's program centers three simple ideas — Save Lives, Share Stories, Shape the Future — pairing lived-experience storytelling with a forward-looking conversation on the future of sickle cell care.

Admission to the community program is FREE. Registration is encouraged — secure your spot and be part of a morning where lived experience, medical expertise, and community come together.

And don't miss our Blood Drive in partnership with the American Red Cross — open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Your donation could help save a life.

REGISTER HERE

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Friday, September 11, 2026

American Red Cross · 1900 25th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144 · Seattle Blood Donation Center x Conference Rooms

Community Program 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM  
Blood Drive 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

5th Annual Sickle Cell Awareness & Community Blood Drive


Why This Event Matters

  • To raise awareness of sickle cell disease and support the patients and families who live with it every day.

  • To create a space where lived experience, medical expertise, and community come together.

  • To spark ongoing action — from blood donation to advocacy — that strengthens care and support systems.

Why You Should Attend

  • Hear directly from patients, caregivers, and healthcare leaders about the realities of sickle cell care.

  • Learn about advances in treatment and what they mean for patients and families.

  • Connect with community organizations and healthcare partners working toward health equity.

  • Make an impact by donating blood on-site with the American Red Cross (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM).

REGISTER

Agenda

9:00 – 9:30 AM

Press Conference

A focused media kickoff marking the Foundation's fifth annual event and highlighting the urgency of sickle cell awareness and blood donation.

9:30 – 10:15 AM

Lived Experience Panel — "Beyond the Diagnosis: Living With Sickle Cell"

A conversation centering the voices of patients, caregivers, and advocates on daily life, family, healthcare navigation, and community.

10:15 – 10:25 AM

Transition / Blood Drive Moment

Recognition of the blood drive opening, with encouragement of appointments and walk-ins.

10:25 – 11:00 AM

Fireside Chat — "Hope Is Here: The Future of Sickle Cell Care"

Moderated by Deaunte Damper, in conversation with Chris Denton, MD, MS, Medical Director of Sickle Cell Disease & Hemoglobinopathies, on treatment advances, access, and hope for the future.

11:00 – 11:15 AM

Community Call to Action & Closing

Sponsor and partner recognition, and a call to donate blood.

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Food, Media Interviews & Community Connections

Media interviews, speaker and attendee connections, and transition into blood donation appointments.

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Blood Drive

The American Red Cross blood drive continues independently through the afternoon, in partnership with the KD Hall Foundation.

Featuring Ken West (Metropolitan Seattle Sickle Cell Task Force), Ingrid Green (American Red Cross), Saleea Cornelius, and additional community and healthcare voices throughout the morning program.