Struggles and Empowerment: Sickle Cell Disease

This chapter explores the challenges faced by African-American patients with sickle cell disease, particularly in securing effective pain management in emergency care due to racial biases. It highlights personal experiences, the genetic and societal implications of the disease, and the historical context linking it to systemic racism and healthcare access. The narrative also discusses the evolutionary aspects of sickle cell trait and the efforts of companies like Vertex Pharmaceuticals to innovate treatment solutions for those affected.