St. Jude has one of the largest pediatric sickle cell programs in the country. We treat children with sickle cell disease from birth through age 18.
Our sickle cell disease specialization
St. Jude has been researching sickle cell disease since the hospital opened in 1962. Our milestones are many, and include:
- The first research grant ever received by the hospital was for the study of sickle cell disease.
- In 1983, a St. Jude patient was the first in the world to be cured of sickle cell anemia through a stem cell/bone marrow transplant.
Do you live in the Memphis or surrounding area? Interested in participating in research studies?
New study needs African American volunteers
The microSCpi Study, a new study to help researchers learn how bacteria that live in the stomach and intestine affect sickle cell disease, needs African American volunteers of any age to participate. Volunteers without sickle cell disease are welcome. Compensation will be provided for your time and effort. View flyer for more details.
New study needs African American or of African or Afro-Caribbean descent volunteers
The SPRINTS Study is asking for volunteers, ages 10-21, to help researchers learn more about sickle cell anemia (SCA) and exercise. You can help us do this even though you do not have SCA. Children and young adults should exercise every day whether or not they are healthy or have a health problem like Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA). But we do not know what levels of physical activity and exercise are safe for children with SCA. This makes it hard for doctors to tell children with SCA and their parents how much and how hard children with SCA can exercise or play sports. Compensation will be provided for your time and effort. View flyer for more details.
Treatment
St. Jude provides outstanding treatment and educational resources to help patients with sickle cell and other blood disorders live long, happy, and healthy lives.
Why St. Jude
From exceptional patient care to innovative research, St. Jude is one of the nation's leading centers for sickle cell disease.
Sickle Cell Referrals
St. Jude is the primary treatment center for children with sickle cell disease in the Memphis area. We also consider referrals of children who are eligible for an open clinical trial.
Educational Materials
Explore our free publications to learn more about sickle cell disease, treatments and healthy lifestyle choices for patients.
The STARR Program
Our coordinators in the STARR Program can help patients with unique school challenges related to sickle cell disease.
Success through Academics, Resources and Research (STARR) Program
The STEP Program
The Sickle Cell Transition E-Learning Program (STEP) offers videos that help teens with sickle cell disease successfully transition to adult medical care.
Sickle Cell Awareness
St. Jude is working toward better treatments and cures for children and teens with sickle cell disease.
Transition Skills for Teens with Sickle Cell Disease
Educational videos to help teens successfully manage the move from pediatric to adult care, from making appointments to understanding health insurance.
Your treatment team
Since 1962, parents and doctors have sent children with sickle cell disease to St. Jude. The reason is simple: outstanding expertise from exceptional professionals.
Leah hasn’t had any hospitalizations in almost two years. I just love the treatment she receives at St. Jude.
Diagnosing sickle cell disease and hemoglobin traits
Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder. People with sickle cell disease have red blood cells containing mostly hemoglobin S, an abnormal type of hemoglobin. These red blood cells become sickle-shaped (crescent-shaped).
If one family member has sickle cell disease, other members may also carry the trait, or pass it on to their children. Learn more about the disease, how it's diagnosed, and abnormal hemoglobin traits.