Center for Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States.
Sickle cell disease affects the red blood cells, causing debilitating pain and major health risks. Children with sickle cell disease need routine care for their entire lives—lives that may sadly be cut short due to complications from this severe disease.
Along with chronic pain and life-threatening health problems, children battling sickle cell disease are at an increased risk for developmental delays and psychological and emotional distress. Young patients and their families face barriers to care, gaps in treatment, and a lack of access to resources.
The Center for Sickle Cell Disease will change how we treat and manage sickle cell disease and will help patients and families find valuable support and care.
Our Approach
St. Louis Children’s Hospital is home to the largest and most experienced pediatric sickle cell disease program in Missouri and the region. We treat the most complicated cases and offer therapies that aren’t available anywhere else. Through the Center for Sickle Cell Disease, St. Louis Children’s Hospital and WashU Medicine can offer faster routes to diagnosis and treatment and provide sustained, wraparound care and services. We will focus on providing treatment that modifies the course of the disease instead of only treating the symptoms.
At the research level, we will build a more cohesive picture of what sickle cell disease treatment looks like. We will evaluate potential and proven cures and lead efforts to make them safe and accessible for pediatric patients. From this research, we can translate our findings into evidence-based practices that improve the quality and effectiveness of sickle cell disease health services. Families will receive education and support to help themselves and their children navigate the social and physical effects of sickle cell disease.
The Path Forward
The Center for Sickle Cell Disease will establish a platform that translates the most cutting-edge research into immediate, active care for children. But our success depends on the generosity of donors like you.
With your help, we will empower the most brilliant minds in medicine to create meaningful change in health systems, increase early interventions, and develop innovative treatments for pediatric sickle cell disease. Together, we will ensure more children receive the sickle cell care they need to live their healthiest, happiest lives.
| CENTER FOR SICKLE CELL DISEASE | |
|---|---|
| Endowed Director, Center Scholars and Clinicians | $8 million |
| Support for Scientific Infrastructure and Communication | $8 million |
| Seed Fund and Family Care Fund | $4 million |
| TOTAL | $20 million |