Sisters Erin, 10, and Lauren, 8, have been a part of the La Rabida family for their entire lives. After they were each diagnosed with sickle cell shortly after birth, Erin and Lauren’s parents knew that they needed to find a team who could help them understand this disease. That’s when they arrived at La Rabida.

Before her daughters were born, Bes’cee didn’t know anything about sickle cell.

“We didn’t know what we were facing,” explained Bes’cee. “We initially came to La Rabida after we had our first daughter, Erin. I knew I needed to find a hospital that specialized in sickle cell care and La Rabida was that place.”

Sickle cell disease is a genetic condition that affects the hemoglobin molecule in red blood cells that deliver oxygen to the body. Those with sickle cell disease have blood cells that are formed in a curved, sickle shape. The sickle-shaped cells have difficulty passing through small blood vessels and can block blood flow, resulting in pain crises and anemia.

Managing life with sickle cell can be challenging, but our team is dedicated to helping kids like Erin and Lauren thrive.

“They always asked me if I was comfortable with what they were doing versus telling me what they were going to do. That shows their compassion,” said Bes’cee. “Every time I had a question or concern, they would give me an answer. And if they didn’t know the answer right away, they would find the answer and bring it back to me. I always appreciated that.”

After 10 years as patients, Erin, Lauren, and their family are heading off to start a new chapter in Georgia. Before they left, they made sure to stop by the hospital one last time to say goodbye.

“[La Rabida] made us feel comfortable and held my hand through each and every step,” shared Bes’cee. “La Rabida has been our anchor during the battle against this disease. I can’t thank you all enough.”

This story was featured in the February 2021 issue of eCurrents. Read the full issue here.