Serena lives with sickle cell disease and after experiencing years of humiliation, misunderstanding, and isolation in schools, hospitals, and at her places of employment, Serena became engaged in the sickle cell community as an advocate by joining committees championing for patient-centered care.
Serena’s main focus is advocacy and spreading awareness through information sessions such as conferences, symposiums, seminars, and panel discussions, by collaborating with educational institutions, hospitals, community organizations, and media such as radio and television.
Alongside Serena’s patient advocacy in the community, she recently served as the Interim President of the Sickle Cell Association of Ontario, and a member of the Minister’s Patient and Family Advisory Council, Healthy Debate, Medical Doctors Admissions at UofT, Patient Alliance for Patient Safety, Patient Caregiver Advisory Group and Patient Partner Advisory Group. Serena is now serving on Healthcare Excellence Canada, UHN’s Emergency Department Sickle Cell Disease Working Group, and as one of the co-chairs of Ontario Health who are developing quality standards for sickle cell disease
