Voices of Sickle Cell: A Conversation Connecting Care and Lived Experience
On Saturday, May 17, Island SPACE Caribbean Museum hosted Voices of Sickle Cell: Connecting Care, Experience — A Panel Discussion, a powerful community gathering centered on raising awareness and fostering dialogue around sickle cell disease. The event was organized by Shak’s Hope, under the leadership of Director Andrea Hall.
With over 30 guests in attendance, the event began with mingling and light drinks. As the program began, Stephanie Bien-Aime, Island SPACE programming coordinator, welcomed guests to the museum, encouraged them to get involved with the museum. Andrea Hall, director of Shak’s Hope, thanked the guests for their attendance before introducing the panelists.
The discussion brought together healthcare professionals and sickle cell warriors—individuals living with or impacted by the disease—who courageously shared their journeys. Their personal testimonies and reflections highlighted the challenges of navigating healthcare systems, the importance of community support, and the strength required to face sickle cell daily. Those in attendance were able to ask questions and share their own experiences with the panel. The panel underscored the need for greater awareness, compassion, and equitable care for all those affected.
Pfizer, a proud sponsor of the event, joined as a guest with an informational table and a post-panel presentation. Their team provided valuable insights into treatment advancements and resources, reinforcing the shared commitment to improving the quality of life for sickle cell warriors. Through open dialogue, shared experience, and professional insight, attendees of Voices of Sickle Cell participated in a space for connection, education, and empowerment—uplifting the voices that too often go unheard and highlighting the need for greater awareness and compassion for those affected by sickle cell.
See some photo below!
Thanks to Our Sponsors
Island SPACE is supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Broward County Cultural Division, BBX Capital Foundation, Community Reinvestment Alliance of Florida, “King” George Jograj, Dr. Lydia Malcom of Authentic Behavioral Health LLC, and her husband, Mr. Waynewright Malcolm, Alexandra P. Davis, and the following funds at the Community Foundation of Broward: Judith Cornfeld Fund for the Arts, Helen and Frank Stoykov Charitable Endowment Fund, and The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation Broward Community Fund.
About Island SPACE Caribbean Museum
Island SPACE Caribbean Museum is a cultural institution dedicated to the preservation and celebration of the Caribbean’s diverse heritage through exhibits, educational programs, and events that spotlight the region’s history, art, and music.
The facility features a historical archive filled with information and artifacts from across the Caribbean region, a fine art gallery and multipurpose spaces.
The public is invited to visit the museum Thursdays through Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. General museum entry is $15 per adult and $7.50 per child. Visit islandspacefl.org to learn more.
Get Involved
If you’d like to participate in future events or to get involved otherwise, here’s how you can:
Sponsor an upcoming event: Email mu****@***********fl.org or call 954-999-0989
Become a vendor at an upcoming event: Email mu****@***********fl.org or call 954-999-0989
Volunteer with us: https://islandspacefl.org/volunteer
Become a museum member: https://islandspacefl.org/membership
Plan your visit to the museum: islandspacefl.org/visit
Book an event with us: Email mu****@***********fl.org or call 954-999-0989
