Work Sited

Blog 1
http://www.genetichealth.com/resources_what_is_genetic_counseling.shtml#Anchor1

picture
http://insider.ucsf.edu/2008/Jun/images/Moore_corner.jpg

picture
http://nikon2.magnet.fsu.edu/galleries/pathology/images/sicklecell/sicklecellanemia40x02large.jpg


Blog 2
http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/sickle-cell-disease
http://www.ehow.com/how-does_5398116_someone-inherit-sickle-cell-disease.html
http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/posters/chromosome/sca.shtml

Blog 3
http://dilynshereyeahh.blogspot.com/2009/02/what-are-possible-genotypes-of-parents.html

Blog 4
http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/posters/chromosome/sca.shtml

Blog 5
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/heart/sickle_cell_anemia.html

Blog 6
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sca/diagnosis.html

Blog 7
http://www.ehow.com/facts_5581554_physical-symptoms-sickle_cell-disease.html

Blog 8
http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199406093302303

Blog 9
http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/posters/chromosome/sca.shtml

Blog 10
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sca/#featuredVideo

How possible is it that a cure will be found?

They have only been able to come up cures for the pain so far. They are all hoping that one day they will come up with something that doesnt just help the pain but helps everything. They say the more technology there is the more help they get to coming up with a cure for Sickle Cell Anemia. 

What are some organizations that can help families cope with a child's sickle cell anemia?

The William E. Proudford Sickle Cell Fund, Inc. is an organization that works to help those families dealing with sickle cell anemia and raise awareness of the disease. The foundation was inspired by William E. Proudford, who battled the disease. http://www.wepsicklecell.org/who/


Children's Cancer and Blood Foundation is an organization who's mission is to support and sponsor research on blood disorders such as Sickle Cell Anemia. http://www.childrenscbf.org/content.php?id=1

What is everyday life like for someone with Sickle Cell Anemia? What is their quality of life?

People with Sickle Cell Anemia often face crises or episodes of severe pain. Some people describe the pain as similar to being stabbed with a butcher knife repeatedly. Medications such as Hydroxyurea have significantly helped the lives of patients with severe Sickle Cell Anemia. Many people have reported having fewer episodes of pain and fewer hospitalizations. Most patients are able to live successful lives with the help of treatment.

How can the disease be treated?

There is no cure for Sickle Cell, but treatments have been developed. Patients may be given blood transfusions, oral antibiotics, or hydroxyurea. Blood transfusions increase the number of normal blood cells. During oral antibiotics, patients are given penicillin twice a day to prevent infection and early death for young children. Hydroxyurea is an anticancer drug that reduces pain and is the first effective drug treatment for adults.

What is the life expectancy for someone with Sickle Cell Anemia?

For people who have both genes for Sickle Cell Anemia, the life expectancy for males is 42 years and 48 years for females. People who only have one gene for the disease are expected to live between 60 and 68 years depending on the gender. The life expectancy for people with the disease has increased over the years due to improved technology. 

What are the physical symptoms of the disease?

Some signs and symptoms of sickle cell include: shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, coldness in the hands and feet, paler than normal skin, and jaundice. The most common symptoms are fatigue and weakness.