2026 Community Conversations
Directions
In Person Event
CostFree
Description
Community Conversations is a quarterly series designed to bring patients, families, and healthcare teammates together for open, easy‑to-understand discussions about important sickle cell disease topics. Each session features trusted experts who help break down complex information, answer questions, and empower the community with knowledge and resources.
During our session, presented by Dr. Michael Kent, MD, will focus on Curative Intent Therapy: Who, What, When, and How. Dr. Kent will guide attendees through the evolving landscape of curative options such as bone marrow transplant and gene therapy explaining who may benefit, what the process looks like, when treatment might be appropriate, and how decisions are made in partnership with patients and families.
Attendees can expect a welcoming space to learn, ask questions, and connect with others. The event is designed for all knowledge levels whether you’re newly exploring treatment options or supporting a loved one on their sickle cell journey.
What You’ll Learn:
- What “curative intent therapy” means for people living with sickle cell disease
- Who may be eligible for options like transplant or gene therapy treatments
- When treatment might be recommended and key factors that influence timing
- How the evaluation and decision-making process works
- Opportunities to ask your own questions during a live, community-centered discussion
Locations
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Atrium Health Levine Cancer InstituteCharlotte, NC 282041021 Morehead Medical DriveLevine Cancer Institute Bldg I Conference Room 3035A-3035B
Directions - Meeting point
All Participants please meet in the LCI Bldg I Conference Room 3035A-3035B
- Parking information
Parking
Park in the Yellow Parking Deck (Levine Cancer Institute & Morehead Medical Plaza Patient & Visitor Parking) at the corner of East Morehead Street and Kenilworth Avenue. Levels one through four are dedicated for visitors.
Directions to LCI Administration
Take the parking deck elevator to the third floor. After exiting the elevator turn right. Cross the breezeway/sky bridge to enter Morehead Medical Plaza/LCI building. Take a left at the end of the skybridge into the LCI building. At Caribou Coffee take a right and go to the end of the long hallway. Turn left for Administration and Conference rooms will be on the right.
If you enter the LCI building from the ground floor, stop at the information desk directly inside main entrance and ask for directions to Administration.
Agenda
- Welcome/Introduction of Speaker
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Welcome all participants and introduce the speaker
- Presentation on Sickle Cell Transplant & Transformative Care
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This section will be presented by Dr. Michael Kent
- Guided Discussion
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We will open the floor for questions and discussions on the presented information.
Speakers
Michael Kent, MD, Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant
Dr. Michael Kent is a Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist focused on the care of patients with sickle cell anemia. He specializes in Transplant and Transformative care for Pediatric patients and young adults as well as pediatric to adult care transition.
Dr. Kent received his medical degree from Albany Medical College in Albany, NY. He completed his Pediatric Resident at the Floating Hospital for Children, in Boston MA. Other accomplishments include Pediatric hematology/oncology fellowship at Children's Colorado, in Aurora Colorado, and Pediatric BMT fellowship at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Coordinators
- Stephanie Hart, MPH
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stephanie.hart4@advocatehealth.org