Meet Nova

Nova was referred to St. Jude for treatment of sickle cell disease. The genetic blood disorder, predominant among African Americans, affects approximately 100,000 people in the United States.

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St. Jude patient Nova

St Jude patient Nova with her mom

Nova's story

Nova was diagnosed with sickle cell disease when she was a week old. That’s when her mother, Samone, received a call from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which runs one of the largest sickle cell programs in the country, treating about 850 patients.

At St. Jude, Nova was prescribed hydroxyurea, a medication that boosts the production of fetal hemoglobin and helps prevent the sickling of red blood cells so that sickle cell patients have fewer pain crises and other complications.

As a mom, St. Jude means everything; St. Jude is our support.

- St. Jude patient Nova's mom

St. Jude patient Nova

St Jude patient Nova (left) with her cousins, St.Jude patients Ari'Yanna (middle) and Ariyah

Nova had her first pain crisis at age 6. Just out of first grade, she has not found the words to describe the crisis to her mother. But she routinely seeks comfort from her older cousins, Ariyah and Ari’Yanna, who both have sickle cell disease and are also patients at St. Jude. They talk about the best ways to coax the pain away: warm baths and warm towels wrapped around legs with just the right pressure.

How is Nova doing?

Nova doesn’t let her sickle cell disease eclipse the joy in her life. She loves school and is an attentive and precocious big sister who loves to tease her younger brother. She enjoys dancing and singing, holding impromptu concerts in her mom’s car and at home.