Meet Courtney: Student, Daughter, Warrior

Courtney is a beautiful, vibrant young lady on the cusp of a great future.

How old where you when you found out you had sickle cell?

I was around three years old when I found out, my mother took me to the doctor because I was really sick and she did not know what was going on

How were you able to cope with school and sickle cell?

I just always took my medication. I knew what I could and could not do and I pushed myself in school. All my teachers knew about my sickness and a few helped me when I needed it in catching back up in school

How did your childhood and your parents influence you in your choice of career?

I just started school as an incoming freshman and my Major as of now is Pre-Nursing. Being a child with a sickness I knew I wanted to help others in this world so that helped me choose what I wanted to become in life. Helping others and seeing other happy is something that I am very passion about

How do you manage SCD and still maintain good grades?

Being a student with SCD is a challenge but I manage it to my best abilities. I make sure I stay hydrated and take my medicine. All my professors are aware of my sickness and I do not miss class unless I have to.

Has sickle cell limited any areas of your life?

SCD did not limit any areas for the most part because I push myself to do something if that’s something I really want to do despite the fact of having it. There was one time it did though, In high school I would miss days due to being in the hospital or sick and because of that I could not join the nursing program at my school.

When you do reach obstacles in your life, what helps you through it?

My family helps me get through a lot and I push myself

Do you have regular pain (more than 2x a week)? How do you cope with this?

I have pain at least twice a week. I just relax and take my medication if that is necessary.

What is your daily medication regimen and what medications do you take when you are in pain?

I take folic acid and iron pills daily for sickle cell. In addition to sickle cell, I also have ulcerative colitis and I take Ascal 3x a day for that. When in pain, I take Tylenol 3.

How has sickle cell affected your personal life?

I am not in a relationship but it has nothing to do with me having sickle cell. In past relationships though whoever I was with knew about my sickness and supported me with everything

Looking at the 14 year old version of yourself, what would you tell him or her if you could…?

I would tell myself to just keep pushing yourself and you can do. Yes you have Sickle Cell but that’s not something that you should feel sad about. Be proud that you have it. And anything that you what to do you can do it if you put your mind to it. Do not always use Sickle Cell as an excuse to get out of something.

Is there anything else that you would want to tell other sickle cell warriors?    

If you see something and you want to do it, Do It.! You cannot always use having SCD as an excuse in life. I learned to deal with it, but as soon as I did I was diagnosed with another disease. Now I am learning to cope with the ulcerative colitis. So for those who have just Sickle Cell treat your body right, take your meds, and visit the doctor regularly.