Whether it’s dunk tanks, dance-offs, shopping sprees or sleepovers, kids facing sickle cell disease miss out on a lot of ‘kid things’ during their childhood. But since there are few outward, visible signs of the condition, children with sickle cell disease often suffer in silence.
Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder that affects hemoglobin in red blood cells. In a child with sickle cell disease, red blood cells are hard, sticky and shaped like a crescent.
Kids living with sickle cell disease can experience attacks of pain, infection and stroke.
By showcasing what our kiddos are missing out on, we’re making sure the world doesn’t miss out on the opportunity to make a difference in their fight.
Knowledge is power:
Learn about sickle cell disease and treatments
Before becoming pregnant, ask for a screening test for sickle cell trait, and ask your partner to be screened too
Have your newborn screened and review results with your baby’s doctor
If your child is diagnosed with sickle cell disease, closely follow the doctor’s treatment plan and follow up regularly
Talk to the nurse and administrators at your child’s school about special sickle cell needs
Currently, a blood and marrow transplant (BMT) is the only cure for sickle cell disease
