Maiya’s Journey to Ending Sickle Cell Disease

Hi, my name is Melanie Andrews. My daughter’s name is Maiya Andrews. Maiya has suffered from Sickle Cell Anemia disease her entire life (24 years).

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a blood disorder. The most common type is known as sickle cell anemia. Problems with sickle cell disease typically begin around 5 to 6 months of age. Several health problems may develop, such as attacks of pain (known as a sickle cell crisis), anemia, swelling in the hands and feet, bacterial infections and stroke.

For Maiya, there have been countless hospitalizations for pain crises, sleepless nights, numerous procedures and operations, countless blood transfusions, a host of medication trials that have failed her and now blood exchanges every three weeks.

In the weeks ahead, Maiya will be undergoing a Stem Cell Transplant. We hope to eradicate sickle cell disease from her life. Maiya has run out of options for “Quality of life” and “Prolonging her life.”

Due to the disease and the need to see multiple medical specialists, Maiya can only work part-time. Unfortunately, bills need to be paid, related medical expenses continue to rise, tolls to and from doctor appointments are adding up, and Sallie Mae doesn’t care nor offers a viable solution (e.g., salary-based repayment plan).

Currently, Maiya works three days a week and interns twice weekly, helping our community sister, brothers, and their families with substance abuse. Her current goal is to become a drug and alcohol abuse counselor. She is putting time and effort into working and studying to get this job done despite the medical hurdles she must overcome.

Will you please help?

Maiya is striving for life so that she can be of help in someone else’s life. Please consider contributing.

Any monetary assistance would be helpful and appreciated during this time of need.

Sincerely,

Melanie Andrews