Eshun: the complications from sickle cell are preventable

Eshun: hydration prevents sickle cell pain crisis.

Douglas: the way bone marrow transplant became a cure for sickle cell was serendipitous - did bmt for leaukemia and it cured S.C. too

Douglas: the future of sickle cell cure is gene therapy - just need to change one amino acid on the hemoglobin and it goes away

Ariel: toughest part of being sickle cell - lots of things you want to do are just not an option.

Ariel: I didn't want to tell people about my sickle cell because I didn't want people to look at me weird

Ariel: we need more awareness because if a medical emergency were to happen at school we need people to be able to respond and help

Ariel: Wish I would have BMT earlier - sickle cell made 20 did of damage to my body. Even though I'm cured I still deal with this damage

Miss Brazil: I ask questions from the bad to the good to make sure I provide the best care for my son

Brazil: Embrace the disease. Learn about it. And mentally, don't let it take you.

Floor open for questions to the panel - tweet me with your questions!

Audience Q: my 6 yo has sickle cell but doesn't have symptoms. Do I treat her?

Eshun: medicine and miracles can work together. let's test your child to see where she's at. also very important to prevent complications.

Eshun: it's possible to have the disease and no symptoms at all. but one day she will. let's monitor and prevent complications.

Program closes - thanks for following!

@HerdOnCampus Grand Canyon U Thanks for the RT! Brandon is awesome :)

AHCCCS member or applying? Get ur renewal/application in on time 2 make sure u stay eligible. Info: bit.ly/mLHRAa

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Donate at Save Our Summer Blood Drive July 1-2. $50 donor gift bag, raffles & PCH kids play area. azhero.org/sos

Donate at the Save Our Summer Blood Drive July 1-2, 8am-1pm. $50 donor gift bag, raffles & PCH kids play area. azhero.org/sos