Valerie Jean Hardin was given 10 to 15 years to live after being diagnosed with sickle cell disease at age 10. Today, at age 66, she’s proud and extremely grateful to be recognized by the local chapter of the service-focused Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority as the oldest living person with sickle cell in Summit County. […]
From chronic patient to AirBear paramedic: Art Brown is overcoming sickle cell to live out his dream
Arthur Brown’s early years doesn’t exactly fit the mold of many new parents. Instead of first smiles and precious giggles, he cried constantly in severe pain and fatigue. Instead of a focus on new milestones and first steps, the focus was on figuring out what was troubling him and getting him well. Much of his […]
Sickle cell is a family affair for Ava and Olivia
Sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait may sound interchangeable, but the prognosis and care are as different as night and day. For kids diagnosed with sickle cell, Akron Children’s has a team of medical specialists who provide ongoing education and care so families are never in the dark about the blood disorder. Three years […]
Doctors Hope to Close Gap in Care for Kids in Haiti With Sickle Cell Disease
It is a simple but harsh reality that children with sickle cell disease living in Haiti will have more pain, worse quality of life, and are less likely to survive childhood because they don’t have access to the treatments routinely provided to children with sickle cell disease in the United States and other developed nations. […]
OMNOVA president’s dance performance fueled by passion
Theresa Carter, president of the OMNOVA Solution Foundation, is just one of the many Akron celebrities who will participate in the 4th annual fundraiser for the Showers Family Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Akron Children’s Hospital.
Sickle cell patients need community support at Be a Lifesaver event May 30
Megan Lancaster, of Canton, has adorable twins, Ava and Olivia. At 14 months, they’re crawling and cruising, trying hard to become toddlers. They are healthy for now. But having been diagnosed with sickle cell disease just after birth, the little girls could have their first painful, sickle cell health emergency any time now. Like all […]