Next Step

Today is @rarediseaseday. The 2026 theme, “More Than You Can Imagine,” highlights equity in care, representation and unseen challenges. 'When Lightning Strikes' was created by youth with sickle cell as they felt this population wasn't represented in media. nextstepnet.org/whenlightnings…

🌍 It’s #RareDiseaseDay 2026! 💜 Today we stand with the 300 million people living with a rare disease. Together, we’re showing our colours, raising awareness, and inspiring change by talking about what equity means to us. 👉 Read more: go.rarediseaseday.org/NEWS

Special delivery! Our comic books have arrived to our office in Cambridge, MA! Check out the digital versions: nextstepnet.org/whenlightnings…

Need a good read on this cold morning? Check out our comic books! nextstepnet.org/whenlightnings…

Our Virtual Comic Book Launch Party is tonight! Click on this link at 7PM EST to join Kepler, Casey and the creators of our second comic book, When Lightning Strikes 2: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regist… Go behind the scenes and hear how the comic came to life. We hope to see you there!

Do you have plans tomorrow night? Join Kepler and Casey at our Virtual Comic Book Launch Party from 7–8 PM EST as we celebrate this exciting milestone with the young people who helped create our second comic book. Visit this link at the time of the event: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regist…

Our virtual launch party for our second comic book is just 4 days away! Join us Tuesday from 7–8 PM ET to hear how young people in the Next Step community came together to create When Lightning Strikes 2. Tune in—we’d love to see you there. us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regist… #sicklecell

Here is what we will talk about: ✅ Celebrate that we've made this comic book ✅ Medical transition: The importance & challenges ✅ Why Next Step?

Find out what Kara, a teen living with sickle cell, is up as she takes on her next big chapter—transitioning from the pediatric to adult healthcare system. Go behind the scenes, hear how the comic came to life, and celebrate the voices of the young people in our community.

Join us for the When Lightning Strikes 2 Virtual Launch Party on Tuesday, January 27th from 7–8pm EST! Click here to access the webinar on the day of the event: us06web.zoom.us/.../WN_yIWjqNZ…... We hope to see you there! @CSCFInc @SickleCellUK @SickleCellAssoc @sicklecell101

Big news! We’ve released our SECOND comic book, and we want you to celebrate with us! Join us two weeks from today for a special virtual launch event for When Lightning Strikes 2 on Tuesday, January 27, from 7–8pm EST. Click here to save your spot: nextstepnet.org/event/next-ste…

What a night and what a win! Thanks to two generous friends of Next Step, eight participants experienced the @celtics with unbelievable seats and Courtside Club access. A huge shoutout to @Scalabrine for stopping for photos! We and our participants are so grateful. #Celtics

There are just 2 days left in 2025 — and just 2 more days to make a tax-deductible donation to Next Step. Your help will give seriously ill teens and young adults the hope, confidence, and opportunities they deserve. Click here to donate: nextstepnet.org/donate/ #HappyNewYear

Now through December 31, your gift to Next Step is MATCHED—up to $15,000. That means every dollar you give today doubles its impact for teens and young adults living with serious illness. nextstepnet.org/donate/ Give today. Create twice the hope. Double the possibilities.

Before Next Step, Jamall often felt lost in the fog of his sickle cell diagnosis - pain, uncertainty, stress. Donate to the 2025 Next Step Annual Fund to help more young people like Jamall see past their challenges to a future full of possibilities. nextstepnet.org/donate/

Before Next Step, Jamall felt alone in his journey with sickle cell disease. Meeting peers who truly understood him changed everything. Your support of Next Step will give more young people like Jamall a community that inspires them to chase their dreams: nextstepnet.org/donate/

Jamall, 25, had never met anyone his age with sickle cell—until Next Step. “Meeting peers who get it… that’s when I finally felt seen.” You can help more young people, like Jamall. Your gift is a lifeline. Donate to the 2025–2026 Next Step Annual Fund: nextstepnet.org/donate/

Say hi to Malanya, our new addition to the team! Click on the link to read the full interview. nextstepnet.org/welcome-to-the…

We are truly and deeply grateful for the incredibly talented young people in the Next Step community. Their creativity, dedication, and spirit inspire us constantly. Enjoy this new piece in our office in Cambridge, MA! #art #CambridgeMA

Create an original song and build confidence in choosing your voice with Next Step. We are excited to share the 2026 Spring dates for our virtual Songbook program. Visit our website for more information and the application to join. nextstepnet.org/event/next-ste… #Songwriting