Part of the Family

“A parent’s worst nightmare” is how Lametra Scott, PharmD, CCHP, describes the moment her son Rickey was diagnosed with sickle cell disease, a blood disorder that can cause blood clots and severe pain.

As a new mom, Lametra was scared and had a lot of questions. Fortunately, she had a highly specialized program nearby at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. 
 

The Vanderbilt-Meharry Center for Excellence in Sickle Cell Disease is led by internationally renowned sickle cell expert Michael DeBaun, MD, MPH. 

“Dr. DeBaun, Ms. Jeannie Byrd and many others at Children’s Hospital have become part of our family,” said Lametra. “They treat you as a family member, a friend, a human being. And that speaks volumes to the personalized care they provide.” 

"By creating a medical home setting—a place of coordinated care—the Vanderbilt-Meharry Center of Excellence in Sickle Cell Disease decreases the burden on families and increases quality of care." — Michael DeBaun, MD, MPH, Rickey’s doctor 

Today, Rickey continues to take medications and returns to see his friends at Children’s Hospital every three months for check-ups, but he isn’t letting sickle cell disease stand in his way. He is a fun-loving, fearless 6-year-old who loves dancing and martial arts. 

Looking to pay it forward for the care her family received, Lametra now educates others about the disease and says her family found a greater purpose in having a child diagnosed with sickle cell disease. She’s founded an organization that helps raise funds and awareness for community sickle cell advocacy. 

"Without Children’s Hospital, parents like me would be at a loss. All of the research, all of the treatments and all of the care—none of it could take place without generous donations." — Lametra Scott, PharmD, CCHP, Rickey’s Mom

World-class programs like this exist because of support from donors like you. Thank you for making a difference for patients like Rickey.