Vanessa Solomon

Sickle Cell Stories · Then and Now

Vanessa Solomon

Vanessa describes learning to care for a daughter diagnosed with sickle cell in early childhood.

Vanessa Solomon in a portrait photograph
Vanessa Solomon
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The news was a shock, and she felt that the first explanations did not give her everything she needed. Parent networks and support groups became an important source of practical advice as she learned to manage medication, food, pain and hospital visits.

Vanessa describes positive encounters with hospital staff as well as the difficulty of getting timely appointments elsewhere. Her daughter’s school has a care plan for hydration, pain and cold weather. Sharing this experience is one way Vanessa hopes other parents will feel better informed.

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