Raine

Raine is caring, kind, silly, funny, and thoughtful. She is the great mediator at her school. Students and staff seek her out for her fairness. She loves history, science, and math. More than that, she is a multi-sport athlete with a love for basketball, softball, and volleyball that supersedes the pain that comes from how sickle cell interrupts her active lifestyle from time to time.
~Rachelle, Raine’s Mom

Sickle Cell Anemia

Sickle cell anemia is a disease in which the body produces abnormally shaped red blood cells that have a crescent or sickle shape. These cells do not last as long as normal, round, red blood cells, which leads to anemia. The sickle cells also get stuck in blood vessels, blocking blood flow. Signs and symptoms of sickle cell disease usually begin in early childhood and may include anemia, repeated infections, and periodic episodes of pain. This condition is caused by mutations in the HBB gene and is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. Treatment typically focuses on controlling symptoms.

Artist: Jota Leal