Page 20 - ESA IC News April

click on picture to read more about Duenta

Recently, I read about a patient of the month at St. Jude named Deunta. At two weeks old he
was diagnosed with sickle cell disease. Sickle cell is a chronic blood disorder that deforms red
blood cells and can cause anemia, severe pain, organ damage and even death. Deunta was
referred to St. Jude and has been a patient there for 4 years now. As a baby, he took penicillin
and when he turned 2 he began taking hydroxyurea which showed great improvement. He is
now 4 years old and goes to St. Jude once a month for bloodwork, medication and checkups.
This little boy goes to St. Jude every month and has his entire life! WOW!

St. Jude has expanded its sickle cell focus beyond treatment seeking a cure. How many other
diseases are they seeking a cure for? I had not thought of sickle cell as a St. Jude disease.

We are winding down the year. My mailbox is not as full as I’d like. Get those booked and
completed forms turned in! The Illinois St. Jude chair, Kelly Purvis, called me to say she had not
seen a booked event for her chapters wine tasting. Whose job was that? Well, it was mine! I
immediately booked that event! Get your paperwork turned in and get the credit you deserve!

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