Finding comfort at St. Jude

Stanyiah’s family was devastated when they learned she suffered from sickle cell disease, which is a group of blood disorders that prevent the normal flow of blood in the body. Stanyiah had experienced some of the symptoms, which can include pain crisis, chest pain and an enlarged spleen. Her family turned to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for her care.

At St. Jude, Stanyiah began receiving penicillin immediately. When she turned 2 years old, she started taking hydroxyurea, a medicine that is used to help reduce cell sickling, as well as many of the major complications of sickle cell disease. 

Like all families at St. Jude, Stanyiah's will never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food — because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. 

“She hasn’t had a pain crisis since she began hydroxyurea,” Stanyiah’s mom, Pakenya, said. She’s grateful for everything St. Jude has done for Stanyiah. “We love St. Jude,” said Pakenya. “They provide us comfort.

Stanyiah is excited whenever we come to the hospital.” Stanyiah is a happy little girl who loves to dance and play.