Sickle Cell Disease: Marcus and Emma's Story

Details
  • Siblings Marcus and Emma both live with sickle cell disease, a group of inherited red blood cell disorders.
  • Their parents, Angela and Marcus Sr., turned to the Sickle Cell program at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida for their children's care.
  • Both Marcus and Emma have the most common form of sickle cell disease, HBSS-type, which affects oxygen flow through the body.
  • The siblings receive regular monitoring and preventative oral medicine hydroxyurea, which lowers the production of sickle cells and decreases the risk of life-threatening complications.
  • Thanks to their care team and positive attitudes, Marcus and Emma are able to lead normal, active lives.
Authors
Carrie Gann, D.N.P.