Deja's Story

June 07, 2021 – Deja was diagnosed with sickle cell disease at birth due to both parents having the sickle cell trait. Throughout all her life, Deja has been receiving treatment for her condition. She currently visits Nicklaus Children's every few months, where she is admitted for a few days for pain management, and to help prevent further complications.

Nyla's Story

April 30, 2021 – Nyla had a one in four chance of being born with sickle cell disease due to her parent's genetic makeup. At birth, she confirmed to have the disease and began a lifelong journey of treatment. When Nyla was a few years old, her mother Iriamy decided to take her to see the specialists at Nicklaus Children's Hospital.

Oscar Uses His Experience to Help Others Prevent Pain

September 21, 2018 – Oscar, 20,  was born with Sickle Cell Disease, a condition that affects red blood cells (sickle cell anemia) and blockage of blood flow causing pain. The pain is often so severe; patients suffer painful bouts known as sickle cell crisis and often require hospitalization.

Patient of the Month: Bi'Yanie

June 06, 2017 – At a young age, Bi’Yanie was diagnosed with sickle cell, a blood disorder that causes the cells to take on a crescent or sickle shape and can lead to very painful episodes called crises. Today, Bi’Yanie is getting stronger by the day, thanks to the bone marrow transplant she received at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

Sydnie's Second Chance

January 23, 2017 –

While her high school senior peers were trying on prom dresses and applying to college, Sydnie Romero was grappling with a decision that would be tough for anyone, let alone a chronically ill 17-year-old. Sydnie was born with sickle cell disease, a genetic disorder in which bone marrow produces defective hemoglobin that can block blood supply to parts of the body, resulting in “pain crises,” which are episodes of severe pain that can last for hours to days.

Patient of the Month: Felix

June 20, 2015 –

When he was just a young boy in Nicaragua, Felix’s mom noticed that he often complained about pains and not the usual pains for an active boy his age. After he was taken for blood tests, doctors discovered that Felix had sickle cell disease.

Jeffery's Success Story

July 20, 2011 – Little Jeffrey, now 10, was born with sickle cell disease, a genetic disorder in which bone marrow produces defective hemoglobin that can block the blood supply to parts of the body, resulting in painful episodes and potentially debilitating strokes. Jeffrey's family have nothing but wonderful things to say about the doctors and staff at Nicklaus Children's Bone Marrow Transplant Program.

A Cure for Carmani

May 26, 2009 – Basketball legend's child receives life-saving transplant.