In recognition of September as Childhood Cancer, Sickle Cell Disease, Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) and Histiocytosis Awareness Month, The Periwinkle Foundation is launching a month-long series of stories, articles, engagement opportunities and posts. Follow along on Periwinkle’s Facebook and Instagram for daily features highlighting these life-threatening illnesses and the ways in which Periwinkle provides a community of healing for children and families cared for at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers.

What is Sickle Cell Disease?

According to  Texas Children’s Hospital, “Sickle cell disease is a chronic, inherited blood disorder in which red blood cells become crescent shaped, making it difficult for them to move through the bloodstream. Many times, these cells break down easily or the bone marrow is unable to produce enough new cells, which causes anemia. The disease affects 8 of every 100,000 people, but is more prevalent in African-Americans and Hispanic-Americans. Patients with sickle cell disease may experience recurring pain, damage to internal organs, severe infections, and in rare cases, life-threatening strokes.”

The Sickle Cell Program at Texas Children’s Hematology Center serves over 1,000 children each year and conducts state-of-the-art clinical and laboratory research aimed at gaining a better understanding of the disease, preventing its complications and ultimately finding a cure.

To learn more about Sickle Cell Disease, treatment, and research, browse these resources provided by Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers:

• What is Sickle Cell Disease?
• Bone Marrow Transplantation in Children with Sickle Cell Disease
• Brain Compliciations in Children with Sickle Cell Disease
• A Houston physician with sickle cell opens up about treating patients with the same disease” – from Periwinkle volunteer Dr. Titilope Fasipe

Patients and families at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers are connected to the Periwinkle community of healing through a series of year-round Periwinkle camps, the Periwinkle Arts In Medicine Program at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers, and the Periwinkle adult Long Term Survivor program.