My name is Whitney Smith. I am 41 years old, an aspiring voice-over performer, roller coaster enthusiast, foodie, and animation lover. My hobbies include bike riding, Jet Skiing, traveling, playing board and video games, and collecting vintage toys. I live my life to the fullest, and I do it while…
Discussion
If you’ve been following my journey for a while, you’ll know that in 2022, I had a port-a-cath fitted to support my blood exchange program. I have sickle cell disease and notoriously tiny veins, so after years of difficult cannulations, multiple attempts to gain access, and the anxiety that…
Discussion
For the past five years, I have looked forward to turning 40. When my birthday finally arrived on Oct. 18, I expected a quiet day at home. I planned to rest before my big birthday party this weekend, perhaps with a few visits from family and friends. Little did I…
Discussion
Is sickle cell disease (SCD) a blessing or a curse? I came across this question on social media a few days ago. As I prepare to turn 40, my answer, shaped by four decades of living with SCD, is that, to me, it is neither. It has become part…
Becoming educated and informed about sickle cell disease is a good first step. Here you’ll find general information about the disease, including diagnosis, symptoms, and causes.
It helps to know others have been where you are now. Here’s a collection of our columnists’ words of wisdom to help you along on your sickle cell disease journey.
A stem cell transplant is the only potential cure for sickle cell disease, but there are a variety of other treatment approaches. Here you can find more information about current treatments as well as experimental therapies in the pipeline.
Get regular updates to your inbox.
