Source: WISHTV
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — September marks Sickle Cell Awareness Month, highlighting a blood disorder that affects nearly 100,000 people in the United States, including 1,700 individuals in Indiana.
The Christman family, who adopted their daughter Michelline from Africa, is sharing their personal experience to raise awareness about sickle cell disease. Michelline, who is turning 12 this month, was born with the condition and has faced challenges due to its symptoms.
“A lot of people maybe don’t know about sickle cell because she looks like a healthy girl, but when that pain comes, she’s in a lot of pain,” Jodie Christman said, Michelline’s mother.
This pain is a common symptom of sickle cell disease, which can significantly impact daily life. To manage the condition, the Christmans have learned to implement preventative measures such as ensuring Michelline stays hydrated, takes hot baths, and uses heating pads.
They also monitor her activities to avoid extreme cold, which can exacerbate symptoms. Michelline receives care from Innovative Hematology, where she undergoes regular check-ups and blood work to manage her condition effectively.
The center provides thorough explanations and guidance to help the family understand and cope with sickle cell disease. The Christmans were initially unfamiliar with sickle cell disease when they adopted Michelline but have since become advocates for awareness.
They emphasize the importance of understanding the condition and recognizing symptoms early, as most individuals are diagnosed at a young age.
Through sharing their story, the Christman family hopes to increase awareness and understanding of sickle cell disease, encouraging others to recognize symptoms and seek appropriate care. Michelline continues to lead a normal life with necessary precautions, demonstrating resilience in the face of her condition.
