A Red Crescent moon is a rare occasion that many people miss when it occurs. For others, it is something they are faced with on a daily basis who must adjust accordingly; these are the individuals diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease.
Sickle Cell Disease is a heredity group of disorders that causes red blood cells, which carry oxygen through the body, to become misshapen and break down. It causes normal, circular-shaped red blood cells to take on the shape similar to a Red Crescent moon. Due to this shape, theses cell can get stuck in the small blood vessels, which can slow or block blood flow and oxygen to parts of the body. Some adolescents and adults with Sickle Cell have chronic pain, bone and joint damage, ulcers, and even strokes.
One such patient at Children’s Hospital of Oakland named Khaleiya was diagnosed with sickle cell at two weeks old. Now, at age 11, this beautiful young girl’s life consists of regular hospital visits that include blood transfusions, multiple medications, and pain-crisis therapy. Due to many days of not being able to attend school, Khaleiya is homeschooled and is blessed with emotional support from her mother, Jennifer, and 14-year-old sister, Haloniee.
Inspired by her daughter’s strength through the medical trials, Jennifer decided early on that, “My daughter may have Sickle Cell but Sickle Cell does not have my daughter,” and contacted Children’s Hospital in Oakland. It was through their Children’s Network Foundation that her passion for awareness took sail. Her daughter, Khaleiya, was featured in educational videos and pamphlets along with her mother’s public interviews with the local radio stations such as KBLX.
It was through her tenacious networking that she met Mickel London back in 2014. As a marketing manager during that time for Costco in Concord, California, Mickel added his creative talents to fundraising, beginning music events to raise funds for Sickle Cell research. Appropriately titled Music Medicine, the event has included performances by local and well-known musicians such as American Idol’s Latoya London. This year Music Medicine will bring Maxine Jones from EnVogue to the stage.
Just like the notes coming together to provide joy, so did Mickel and Khaleiya’s family join forces to provide awareness along with hope for so many children afflicted with this disease.
Music Medicine has raised thousands of dollars for Children’s Hospital of Oakland over the past ten years with 100% of the funds raised being donated to the hospital to help provide care for patients. As a non-profit, the U.C.S.F. Benioff Children’s Hospitals provide medical care to their young patients, whether they have insurance or not. The coping and healing that occurs 24/7 within the walls stems from a deep love for the many little ones who face significant medical challenges.
To get to know Khaleiya, her family and the many passionate advocates such as Mickel, who strive to help ease at least some of the spiritual and emotional pain, was and is, an honor. They are part of a village of strength, drive, and unbreakable love, delivering a much-needed kind of medicine to those who need it most.
Khaleiya advises other children diagnosed with Sickle Cell to, “Pray to Jesus; to stay strong and know you’re not alone.” It is advice that resonates for every newborn, child and adult. Through the Music Medicine event happening on June 29th, her advice will echo along with the songs dedicated to an inspiring group of people, who, despite the forces that be, will always reach for the moon that shines the brightest in the darkness.
For more information about Sickle Cell Awareness and UCSF St. Benioff Children’s Hospitals, visit https://give.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org
To purchase tickets for the 10th Annual Music Medicine on June 29th at Empress Theatre in Vallejo, California, visit www.EmpressTheatre.Org
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