Lessons on communication from living with sickle cell disease
“Thank you for giving me grace while I dropped off the face of the earth last week.” I regularly make this kind of comment to my best friend, who has known me since I…
Dear Sickle Cell — Michelle Harlan
Michelle Harlan is a clinical psychology doctoral student from Atlanta, now based in Washington, D.C. She was diagnosed with sickle beta zero thalassemia at 6 months old. In her column, Michelle shares her perspective as a 20-something with sickle cell, focusing on mental health and emerging adulthood care. Outside of her studies and writing, Michelle enjoys traveling, practicing yoga, exploring new restaurants and coffee shops, and watching movies.
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Trial launched to test DISC-3405 for easing iron overload in SCD
Disc Medicine has launched a small clinical trial to test DISC-3405, its treatment candidate for reducing iron levels and easing iron overload, in people with sickle cell disease (SCD). The Phase 1b…
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Mental healthcare is crucial for teens, young adults with sickle cell
In the fall of my sophomore year of high school, my hematologist recommended me for my pediatric sickle cell program’s teen clinic. At that point, I was going to the doctor every one…
How I explain sickle beta-zero thalassemia to others
While I am not a board-certified hematologist, I am an expert on my personal experience with sickle beta-zero thalassemia. One might say I am “board-certified” in living with the condition! When I disclose my illness…
Introducing ‘Dear Sickle Cell’: My journey with sickle thalassemia
When I was growing up, Beverly Cleary’s “Dear Mr. Henshaw” was one of my favorite books. The novel begins with Leigh, a sixth grader, writing to his favorite author (Boyd Henshaw) for a school…
