Mickeelah Foster
Sickle Cell Disease Will Not Stop Her
Mickeelah Foster is a bright 11-year-old who works hard at school and enjoys spending time with friends. She also lives with sickle cell disease, a condition that can be difficult to manage. But she refuses to let it define her.
Diagnosed at birth, Foster spends most days like any other middle school student. However, there are times when her symptoms cause sudden and severe pain.
"It's hard for a mother to see her child in pain and not be able to do anything about it," said her mother, Lukreesha Grant. "When she has flare-ups, it usually takes about a week before she is able to leave the hospital."
Sickle cell disease is an inherited red blood cell disorder. In people with the condition, red blood cells become hard and sticky and take on a crescent or sickle shape. These cells die earlier than normal, causing anemia, a constant shortage of red blood cells. They can also block blood flow in small vessels, leading to pain and serious complications such as infection, acute chest syndrome and stroke.
"Mickeelah has sickle cell disease type HbSS, which is the most severe form of the disease," said Hector Rodriguez-Cortes, M.D., program director of the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit at Nicklaus Children's Hospital. "Regular checkups help us monitor her health, prevent complications and adjust treatment as needed."
A few years ago, Foster began receiving monthly blood transfusions after lab tests showed she had an increased risk for stroke. Although her school provides accommodations to help when she misses class, catching up still requires extra focus and determination.
Despite the challenges, Foster continues to excel in school and maintains an outstanding report card. She hopes to become a doctor one day.
"Our goal in treating sickle cell disease is to help patients live the best quality of life possible," Rodriguez-Cortes said. "It is a chronic condition, but with proper care, Mickeelah can live a full and meaningful life."