1. Let your voice (actually) be heard. It's cool to share your experiences on social media, join your local sickle cell support group, sign petitions, and write letters to your representatives, but there's no replacement for meeting with your reps face to face. Give them a human face with which to associate the struggles of SCD and the need for more research, better funding, increased awareness, and improved healthcare access. 

2. Collaborate with other warriors. Expand your circle of advocates (and friends) by meeting them not only on the Hill, but also during the Sickle Cell Community Consortium's "eat and greet" at 6:30 p.m. on April 16 at the Sheraton Silver Spring. Attendance is free, but be sure to RSVP by e-mailing sccconsortium@gmail.com. This is the perfect place to network and share your advocacy ideas with new people, as well as hear their input.

3. Meet the co-founder of Xickle. Dr. Eric Coles -- the co-founder of Xickle -- will be hosting the meet-up, along with Dr. Lakiea Bailey, and will share more information about Xickle RBC-Plus and the impact it's been shown to have on the red blood cells of people with sickle cell disease. Get to know him and our product and be sure to come with any questions you may have. 

4. Get away for awhile. Take a break from your typical routine and use this change of scenery to get inspired, motivated, and reenergized. Get ready to arm yourself with new information and a fresh perspective that you'll be able to take home with you and implement among your own community of sicklers. 

Do you plan on attending Sickle Cell Advocacy Day this year? What are you most looking forward to?