Source
Children’s Hospital Los Angele
Since before she could remember, sickle cell disease has been the silent scene partner that follows McKenzie—a 22-year-old-actress and recent Spelman College graduate—into every room.
Some days, it hangs in the background, unnoticed. Other times, it springs up without warning and derails all plans.
Caused by an inherited gene mutation, the blood disease is most known for sudden, debilitating pain crises that can be life-threatening.