In this episode of Cheat Codes, Dr. Sharl Azar joins the hosts to discuss his journey from Oregon to leading the sickle cell program at Mass General in Boston. Dr. Azar shares the pivotal moments that inspired his passion for hematology and advocacy, including his work on groundbreaking legislation to improve care for sickle cell patients in Massachusetts. The conversation highlights the importance of community, systemic change, and the lived experiences of patients. Listeners will be inspired by Dr. Azar's commitment to equity, collaboration, and building a brighter future for those affected by sickle cell disease.

SHOW DESCRIPTION

Cheat Codes is intended for patients, caregivers, providers, and the greater community of people who are impacted by Sickle Cell Disease. Each episode, Cheat Codes strives to provide listeners with critical education, the latest scientific updates, and voices from the Sickle Cell community.

Join an inclusive community and build connections with other hemolytic anemia allies by following @AllyVoicesRising on Instagram.

TRANSPARENCY STATEMENT

Cheat Codes: A Sickle Cell Podcast is made possible by Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc. Visit Agios.com to learn more. The following Agios-supported programs are intended for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any treatment decisions. Host and guests featured in this episode have been compensated for their time.

On this episode, Dr. Z and Dr. C welcome Shayan Siddiqui, founder of MiCaringHeart, to discuss his impactful work supporting sickle cell patients in Detroit. Shayan shares how his family's experiences inspired initiatives like Cabs for Kids, providing transportation to medical appointments, and Outsmart, offering free tutoring for children with chronic illnesses. The conversation highlights the challenges of healthcare access and the power of community-driven solutions.

For more information about MiCaringHeart, visit https://www.micaringheart.com/

SHOW DESCRIPTION

Cheat Codes is intended for patients, caregivers, providers, and the greater community of people who are impacted by Sickle Cell Disease. Each episode, Cheat Codes strives to provide listeners with critical education, the latest scientific updates, and voices from the Sickle Cell community.

Join an inclusive community and build connections with other hemolytic anemia allies by following @AllyVoicesRising on Instagram.

TRANSPARENCY STATEMENT

Cheat Codes: A Sickle Cell Podcast is made possible by Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc. Visit Agios.com to learn more. The following Agios-supported programs are intended for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any treatment decisions. Host and guests featured in this episode have been compensated for their time.

In this special episode of Cheat Codes, Dr. Z and Dr. C hand the co-hosting mic to Dr. Julie Kanter for a lively walk through the history of the National Alliance of Sickle Cell Centers (NASCC) annual meetings. Alongside Dr. Sophie Lanzkron, Dr. Francis Coyne, and Dr. Alexis Leonard, they revisit key moments from 2022's belly-dancing dinner to 2025's record-breaking Vermont gathering. The conversation covers how NASCC consensus topics like pain management, iron overload, gene therapy readiness, and defining a "sickle cell specialist" have evolved year-to-year. Packed with behind-the-scenes stories, professional insights, and a look at NASCC's growing impact, this episode captures how a community of experts is shaping the future of sickle cell care.

For more information on the National Alliance of Sickle Cell Centers (NASCC), please visit: https://sicklecellcenters.org/

SHOW DESCRIPTION

Cheat Codes is intended for patients, caregivers, providers, and the greater community of people who are impacted by Sickle Cell Disease. Each episode, Cheat Codes strives to provide listeners with critical education, the latest scientific updates, and voices from the Sickle Cell community.

Join an inclusive community and build connections with other hemolytic anemia allies by following @AllyVoicesRising on Instagram.

TRANSPARENCY STATEMENT

Cheat Codes: A Sickle Cell Podcast is made possible by Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc. Visit Agios.com to learn more. The following Agios-supported programs are intended for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any treatment decisions. Host and guests featured in this episode have been compensated for their time.