With September coming to a close, we wanted to highlight Sickle Cell Awareness Month and the work being done to help children and young adults living with the disease.
At MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital in Long Beach, the Sickle Cell Center at the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute provides care for patients from birth through young adulthood.
Toba Ayo-Ariyo, 20, has been a patient at the center for about 10 years. He said doctors knew he could have sickle cell disease before he was born because both of his parents carried the sickle cell trait.
“When I first started here, I was like eight or seven,” Ayo-Ariyo said. “They’ve also given me ways on how I could take care of myself.”
He said the care and education he received helped him become more confident managing the disease, including knowing what to do during a sickle cell crisis and the importance of staying hydrated.
Dr. Bhavita Patel and nurse practitioner Leigh Hunter said the center uses evidence-based treatments and brings together specialists, including social workers, psychologists and pulmonary care providers.
Sickle cell disease causes red blood cells to become crescent-shaped, which can block blood flow and lead to severe pain, anemia, stroke and organ damage.
The center also provides family support, education, counseling and school services while helping young patients prepare for the transition to adult care.
Ayo-Ariyo said he is grateful for the team and the resources they have provided throughout his care.
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