Frequently Asked Questions

Answer: Yes, there are many local resources in the Washington, D.C., area for people with sickle cell anemia, including:

• Sickle Cell Association of the National Capital Area, Inc.
• Faces Of Our Children (FOOC)
• The William E. Proudford Sickle Cell Fund, Inc.^®
• Armstead-Barnhill Foundation for Sickle Cell Anemia
• District of Columbia Greater Access to Pediatric Sickle Cell Services Project
• Howard University Center for Sickle Cell Disease
• About Sickle Cell Disease

Answer: Yes, scholarships are available from the following associations and organizations:

• Sickle Cell Association of the National Capital Area, Inc.
• International Association of Sickle Cell Nurses and Physician Assistants, Inc. Scholarship Program
• College Scholarships.org
• Leaders Save Lives Scholarship Program

Answer: This is a serious question that many teens with sickle cell think about. Today in the U.S. most people with sickle cell live past the age of 50. In the near future, as medical care improves, we hope that the average lifespan of an individual with sickle cell disease will be close to “normal.”

The bad news – Sometimes young adults and rarely even teenagers do die from health problems related to sickle cell disease.

The good news – If you receive regular medical care and follow healthy living recommendations, you will be much more likely to live a long life.

Bottom line: You should plan on living a full life, but need to take care of yourself!

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• Miles Davis, Jazz Musician
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