Hanif, Age 11 - Sickle Cell Anemia
Eleven-year-old Hanif was diagnosed at birth with sickle cell anemia, a genetic disease that causes red blood cells to become misshapen and break down, causing inadequate blood flow and episodes of intense, stabbing pain. Hanif’s worst crisis came just after his eighth birthday and landed him in a local community hospital on a ventilator for acute chest syndrome. The attack grew so severe that he had to be transferred by ambulance to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. Hanif’s condition continued to worsen and doctors had no choice but to place him in an induced coma after both of his lungs collapsed. He was induced for six weeks and doctors were uncertain if he would make it. It was during this time that a physician from the hospital’s Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant division came to visit his parents to let them know that a bone marrow transplant from a mother or father would be an option for Hanif if he survived this crisis. Luckily, Hanif pulled through and then underwent a pioneering bone marrow transplant at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital with his mother as the donor. Today, Hanif is one year out from his transplant and is sickle cell disease free and without pain. He wants to a write a book to share his experience with other kids, and his ultimate goal is to be a doctor so he can help find a cure for sickle cell anemia.
To make a donation during the live Radiothon, the community can call (888) 499-5437 or make a secure, online donation at www.whud.com . Online donations are also being accepted prior to and during the event at events.westchestermedicalcenter.com/mfchradiothon . Also, community members interested in supporting Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital are welcome to visit the hospital’s lobby during the Radiothon. Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital is located on the Valhalla, New York campus of WMCHealth at 100 Woods Road.