When Audrey was six months pregnant, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital tested her to determine whether her unborn daughter, Courtney, would be born with sickle cell disease. The disease had killed Audrey’s nephew, and the memories of the pain he suffered haunted her.
The tests on Courtney came back positive for sickle cell disease, an inherited blood disorder that causes red blood cells to become hard and sickle-shaped, instead of soft and round.
Children and adults with the disease may experience symptoms that range from severe pain to strokes, pneumonia, organ damage or death.
When Courtney was 2 months old, St. Jude doctors started her on drug treatment. She takes hydroxyurea, a medication that causes the body to produce healthy cells. Courtney, who visits St. Jude monthly, is thriving.
She loves to act, sing, design clothes and dance.
Help give hope to kids like Courtney who are fighting life-threatening illnesses. Become a Partner In Hope monthly donor today.
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Meet patient Lillian (Lily)
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This holiday season, our families are grateful for your support
This holiday season, you help bring hope, peace, comfort and joy to St. Jude families. Thank you for your support.
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Meet Maelin-Kate
Maelin-Kate was diagnosed with a rare blood disease at age 5, but her mom says, "Every day, she finds a reason why it's the best day ever."
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When Carson's cancer came back, his family turned to St. Jude once again for treatment for an aggressive form of blood cancer.
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Meet Jazzy
Jazzy is a playful person who loves going to the beach with her dogs. When she was diagnosed with brain cancer, her family turned to St. Jude for help.