This post is dedicated to my beautiful niece Fayola.
She passed away on 2/13/2019 from a sickle cell crisis. She started her career as a teacher last year and was such a beautiful soul. Her Kindergarten students adored her. She enjoyed life and has lived beautifully. Now Heaven is celebrating as she is going to teach the angels.
What is Sickle cell?
Sickle cell disease is a condition that affects red blood cells. There are a few different types of sickle cell disease. The most common type is called “sickle cell anemia” which is the condition that my niece had.
The red blood cells carry oxygen to our organs. Normal red blood cells are round. For patients with sickle cell disease, some of their red blood cells can have an abnormal shape. They look like a crescent. The abnormally shaped cells get stuck in the blood vessels easily, and so they don’t bring enough oxygen to the body’s organs. This can cause pain or organ damage.
Sickle cell disease is caused by an abnormal gene. If a person gets the sickle cell gene from both parents, they will have a form of sickle cell disease called “sickle cell anemia.”
Sometimes, the patient gets the sickle cell gene from 1 parent, and a different abnormal gene from the other parent, that patient will have one of the other forms of sickle cell disease. Examples of these different abnormal genes include several genes that affect hemoglobin which is a protein found inside the red blood cells.
A patient can get the abnormal gene from only one parent, and a normal gene from the other parent, this is called “sickle cell trait.” People with sickle cell trait generally do not have any of the symptoms of sickle cell disease. But they can pass the gene along to their children. Me and my older brother, who is my niece’s father, have sickle traits. None of my kids have inherited the sickle trait.
Sickle symptoms usually start after a baby is a few months old. Most commonly, people with sickle cell disease have episodes of pain or sickle cell crisis. The pain can be in the bones, chest, or other parts of the body. It can be mild or severe, and last hours to days. People can have other symptoms with their pain, too. The symptoms depend on how old they are.
Some babies can have pain in the hands and feet with swelling and redness. Older children and adults can have pain in the chest with trouble breathing, fever, or coughing. They can also have pain in the bones.
Most episodes of pain just happen because of the abnormal red blood cells, and can’t be predicted. But sometimes, certain factors such as infection, dehydration, weather, or traveling high altitude places can trigger the pain. It hey is very important for sickle cell patients to talk to their doctors about whether traveling is safe for them, and learn what to do to prevent problems.
Sickle cell disease can cause other severe conditions such as severe anemia, infections, lung problems, or even strokes.
Sickle cell disease involves life-long treatment. Some treatments help prevent the different problems caused by this condition. Other treatments are aimed at relieving pain or treating other problems, like certain infections which can be fatal if not treated right away.
Although the doctor will tell the patient what to look for and when to call for help. It is very important for the patient to seek immediate treatment if he or she gets: a fever or has other signs of infection, pain that doesn’t get better after it is treated at home, trouble breathing, or symptoms of a stroke.
People with sickle cell disease should see their doctor for regular check-ups. They should get the vaccines that the doctor or nurse recommends. They should take good care of themselves, including staying well hydrated, exercising, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep.
Information for this post is retrieved from my nursing books and notes. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your health, talk to your physicians.
Your a such a good aunt dedicating this lost to your niece. Sickle cell is a hard disease to leave with! I’m glad you are supportive
It’s a very hard condition, Janay!
Sorry about your niece. This is great information to educate us on sickle cell. My cousin who is late now was also diagnosed with Sickle cell.
Thank you, it’s hard to say goodbye to our loved ones.
First I would like to send my condolences to your family for the loss of your beautiful sweet niece. Losing someone you love is one of the hardest things we have to get through, and no time frame will fully heal your pain. Sickle Cell is a hard disease to watch someone go through. I honestly wished that more people discuss it as often as they discuss cancer. I appreciate you posting this, which has sincerely continued the work of your sweet Fayola by teaching and educating the masses. God bless.
Thank you, Cassie, I appreciate, she was such a wonderful girl. It’s unfortunate that many people carry the trait and they don’t know and like my brother and sister-in-law, they pass it to their kids.
Oh, Marjie, I am so very sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers to you and your whole family. And thank you for this VERY informative and educational post!
Thank you, Flossie, it’s still painful to all of us, knowing that we will no longer have her hugs and smile is hard.
Wow. I am sending hugs your way. She was definitely a beautiful person who made an impact. Thank you for sharing this story and information. Your message will carry her spirit on earth and help others.
Thank you so much, Kelley!
My condolences go out to your family for the loss of your beautiful niece. Losing someone is always hard, but it feels even harder often when the person is younger. Sickle Cell does not get nearly enough awareness. Thank you for taking time during this difficult part of life to talk about it.
I truly appreciate your words, Patricia, thank you!
I’m so sorry about your niece. She sounds like she was a beautiful person. I remember a kid in high school died from it when he was at football practice.
Thank you, Stephanie!
I am sorry to hear about your niece, my condolences to you and your family. Thank you for sharing this story to help educate people about sickle cell.
Thank you, Linda!
Thank you for raising awareness. I’m terribly sorry for your loss,hon!
Thank you, Chelf!
I’m so sorry to hear about your niece. Your post was so beautifully written. Thank you for raising awareness about this.
Thank you, Ria!
Oh wow what a fab post, a great way to raise awareness and inform. Beautifully written too xx
Melanie, Did you even read her post!!? SMFH!!
So very sorry for you and her parents. The loss of a child is devastating. hopefully, awareness will help others
Thank you, Gina!
I am sorry about your friend. Sick cell disease can be scary. I learned about it when I was in school and then when I heard about T-Boz from TLC.
Sickle cell crisis is a very debilitating condition!
I am so sorry to learn that you lost your niece to this disease 🙁 Thank you for sharing the info about it, this should raise awareness. Sending you much love.
Thank you, Nati!
So sorry to learn about the loss of your beautiful niece. This disease took away a good friend of mine a few years ago, she was a teacher as well. Always in my mind, praying for her.
Thank you, Helene, her students adored her. Now, I am sure, she is teaching the other angels in Heaven.
Oh dearest Margie, my heart breaks for you, your brother and your family on your loss. My heart goes out to Fayola’s kindergarten students whom I suspect miss her terribly too. This is such sad news and my condolences go out to your loved ones. I have lost a few friends to Sickle cell anemia over the years and the pain is always raw for the families and friends. May she rest with the angels. Stay blessed and encouraged Sis!
Thank you so much, Elizabeth, I appreciate your words. Her students adored her, and you should see all their drawings and letters they sent to the mom. Good needed her to teach the other angels in Heaven. I am sure, He will give us the strength and mostly my sister in law to accept his will.
I am so sorry about your niece ❤️ Thank you for the education. Sending love ?
Thank you, Maja!
I’m so sorry for the loss of your beautiful niece. Thank you for sharing all of this information. I had heard of Sickle Cell before, but wasn’t really sure what it was. You are truly honoring your family and niece.
Thank you, Shann!