Success Stories
Shandel Narcisse
Taken from “Promise ”a publication from the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 2001
His journey from Castries St. Lucia to Memphis Tennesse began in November 2000, when sickle cell disease caused him to have a stroke, followed by seizures and more strokes.
For the first four years of his life, Shandel received treatment through the Sickle Cell Association of St. Lucia. His symptoms were mild, and the youngster spent his days attending preschool, playing with his dog and challenging friends to games. But after his first stroke, Shandel’s condition worsened.
“Shandel’s doctor told me that if he kept on getting seizures and strokes he would die” says Sophia Narcisse. “The doctor said we had to find a way to get Shandel a bone marrow transplant” recalls Sophia. “But they don’t do them at home; we would have to go to the United States. When he told me what it would cost, I said, “There’s no way”’.
Blood Tests Indicated that Shandel’s 9 year old brother, Randel, was a perfect match for a bone marrow transplant, and Shandel was accepted at St. Jude. Ï said ‘What? Free of Charge? That means I don’t have to go begging!” recalls Sophia. About 200 bone marrow transplants have been used to treat sickle cell disease since the world’s first such procedure in 1982. “The difference...is this bone marrow transplantation is curative” observes John Cunningham, MD, Shandel’s primary Physician st St. Jude. “Essentially, we have cured Shandel of his sickle cell disease”.
Taken from “Promise ”a publication from the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 2001
His journey from Castries St. Lucia to Memphis Tennesse began in November 2000, when sickle cell disease caused him to have a stroke, followed by seizures and more strokes.
For the first four years of his life, Shandel received treatment through the Sickle Cell Association of St. Lucia. His symptoms were mild, and the youngster spent his days attending preschool, playing with his dog and challenging friends to games. But after his first stroke, Shandel’s condition worsened.
“Shandel’s doctor told me that if he kept on getting seizures and strokes he would die” says Sophia Narcisse. “The doctor said we had to find a way to get Shandel a bone marrow transplant” recalls Sophia. “But they don’t do them at home; we would have to go to the United States. When he told me what it would cost, I said, “There’s no way”’.
Blood Tests Indicated that Shandel’s 9 year old brother, Randel, was a perfect match for a bone marrow transplant, and Shandel was accepted at St. Jude. Ï said ‘What? Free of Charge? That means I don’t have to go begging!” recalls Sophia. About 200 bone marrow transplants have been used to treat sickle cell disease since the world’s first such procedure in 1982. “The difference...is this bone marrow transplantation is curative” observes John Cunningham, MD, Shandel’s primary Physician st St. Jude. “Essentially, we have cured Shandel of his sickle cell disease”.
Carole Alexander
Carole, a 25 year old woman from Babaneau, didn’t even know she had sickle cell disease until 3 years ago. She began experiencing pain in her hip and on one Christmas Eve whilst visiting family in Martinique felt a sudden crack in her hip joint. She was unable to walk or sleep because of the pain. Dr Camps later diagnosed her condition and had her flown to Jamaica to undergo an operation to have steel hip joints implanted. The orthopaedic surgeon Dr Kemneth Vaghn graciously waived all fees for his services. After five weeks she returned to St. Lucia and is now able to have a full and active life which includes caring after her daughter Luckisha.
Charlene Emmanuel
Charlene is a 19 year old girl from Marigot and was diagnosed with sickle cell since age 13. She lived in very humble circumstances. The SSCA assisted in getting the family a decent home and an education for Charlene. She recently qualified as a seamstress and is currently working in a Boutique in the Town of Vieux Fort. She hopes eventually to set up her own small business. She is very grateful for the help from the SSCA.
Desmond Pierre
Desmond, is a 23 year old man who lives in the city of Castries. He suffered badly during his childhood and was often admitted to hospital as a result of his illness. At 16 he was introduced to the SSCA and there he realized he was not the only one with sickle cell. He had found a forum to share his health problems and seek the help he needs. Desmond says this greatly increased his spiritual growth. The SSCA was also able to help Desmond with his education by providing Computer Training with the Ministry of Education. Today he holds many IT based certificates and plans to further his studies in software programming. His health has also improved and he is appreciative of the support from the SSCA and of course his family.
Carole, a 25 year old woman from Babaneau, didn’t even know she had sickle cell disease until 3 years ago. She began experiencing pain in her hip and on one Christmas Eve whilst visiting family in Martinique felt a sudden crack in her hip joint. She was unable to walk or sleep because of the pain. Dr Camps later diagnosed her condition and had her flown to Jamaica to undergo an operation to have steel hip joints implanted. The orthopaedic surgeon Dr Kemneth Vaghn graciously waived all fees for his services. After five weeks she returned to St. Lucia and is now able to have a full and active life which includes caring after her daughter Luckisha.
Charlene Emmanuel
Charlene is a 19 year old girl from Marigot and was diagnosed with sickle cell since age 13. She lived in very humble circumstances. The SSCA assisted in getting the family a decent home and an education for Charlene. She recently qualified as a seamstress and is currently working in a Boutique in the Town of Vieux Fort. She hopes eventually to set up her own small business. She is very grateful for the help from the SSCA.
Desmond Pierre
Desmond, is a 23 year old man who lives in the city of Castries. He suffered badly during his childhood and was often admitted to hospital as a result of his illness. At 16 he was introduced to the SSCA and there he realized he was not the only one with sickle cell. He had found a forum to share his health problems and seek the help he needs. Desmond says this greatly increased his spiritual growth. The SSCA was also able to help Desmond with his education by providing Computer Training with the Ministry of Education. Today he holds many IT based certificates and plans to further his studies in software programming. His health has also improved and he is appreciative of the support from the SSCA and of course his family.