Managing Sickle Cell: A Family’s Journey

As Eliazer Glover played energetically in his family’s Hammond living room, he fell and hurt his elbow. His mother, Kal Glover, comforted him with a kiss on the elbow. It quickly soothed his tears. However, Eliazer’s sickle cell disease, diagnosed earlier, remains a constant challenge for the Glover family.

Kal and her husband, Samuel Glover, discovered Eliazer’s condition shortly after his birth. They were aware of the risk, but hoped their son would have the sickle cell trait, not the disease. Eliazer was diagnosed with Hemoglobin SC, a milder form.

Sickle cell disease affects hemoglobin in red blood cells, causing them to become crescent-shaped. This restricts their movement and can block blood flow. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, this can lead to various complications, including severe pain.

“I don’t want the stigma to be, ‘Oh, you have sickle cell, you can’t do this with the other kids,’” Kal Glover said.

The Glovers manage Eliazer’s condition with regular medication. He takes five milliliters of liquid penicillin twice daily and receives extra vaccinations. Monitoring his body temperature is crucial since even minor infections can escalate quickly.

Dr. Laura Tyrrell, pediatric hematologist, explains that sickle cell is more prevalent among people from regions where malaria is or was common. In the U.S., it affects various racial and ethnic groups, with about 8% of African Americans having the trait.

Eliazer doesn’t fully understand his condition, yet he takes his medicine without fuss. Occasionally, he reminds his parents when it’s time for his dose.

Access to resources was initially challenging for the Glovers, requiring trips to Indianapolis for tests and checkups. Sickle cell research lags behind other diseases, impacted by historical funding issues. Despite challenges, the Glovers feel support from the IHTC clinic in Gary.

The Glovers’ hope is for increased attention and resources for sickle cell research and treatment. They remain determined to let Eliazer live a normal, happy life where his condition doesn’t define him.

“He’s special,” Kal Glover said. “He seems healthy and very happy.”