“Thank You for All You’ve Done”: Courtney's Sickle Cell Story

Courtney Mccarty knows how important it is to have a care team that is caring, compassionate, and committed to those who have sickle cell disease. Over the years, Courtney has thrived, proudly attesting to an active life with few limitations as a patient at Brookdale's Comprehensive Sickle Cell Program.

"Everyone here is great: the doctors, nurses, and the entire team," Courtney lamented. "I'm very glad to have a team in my community that understands my health care needs. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who needs sickle cell treatment. There are great doctors here at Brookdale."

One Brooklyn Health's Sickle Cell Program has provided care for over 50 years. Approximately 700 children and adults with sickle cell disease receive care at One Brooklyn Health (OBH). Staffed by expert sickle cell specialists, the program provides comprehensive, individualized care focused on pain management. It offers sickle cell treatment, vital for individuals with sickle cell disease because it plays a key role in managing symptoms, preventing potentially serious complications, and significantly improving quality of life and longevity. Although there is a cure for sickle cell disease like Bone Marrow transplant and Gene therapy, it is not available to all and all patients don’t qualify. However, a variety of disease modifying treatments are available that can help alleviate chronic pain, reduce the risk of severe infections, and minimize long-term damage to vital organs like the heart, brain, kidney and spleen. Our team comprises expert sickle cell specialists, including hematologists, nurses, and social workers, who work collaboratively to deliver comprehensive, individualized care tailored to each patient's unique needs. Comprehensive care also incorporates mental health support and education for patients and their families, contributing to an enhanced quality of life and improved physical health.

"At OBH, we focus heavily on pain management strategies,offering a range of treatments and pain relief medications to help patients lead more comfortable lives. Additionally, our program emphasizes preventative disease education, equipping patients and their families with essential knowledge about the disease, its management, and lifestyle modifications that can improve overall health," said Dr. Kusum Viswanathan, Chief Medical Officer at Brookdale and Chair of Pediatrics at OBH. "Our services are offered in both outpatient and inpatient settings, ensuring that our patients have access to the care they need when they need it."

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen. Healthy red blood cells are round and move through small blood vessels to carry oxygen to all body parts. In someone with SCD, the hemoglobin is abnormal, which causes the red blood cells to become stiff and sticky and look like a C-shaped farm tool called a sickle. This causes them to get stuck in small blood vessels, blocking blood flow, which can cause pain and other complications.

Sickle cell disease affects at least 100,000 people in the U.S. It affects more people who are Black than people who are white. Experts estimate that 1 in 365 people who are Black carry the genetic mutation that causes the condition. It may also affect people with southern European, Middle Eastern, or Asian Indian ancestry. This condition can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening complications. For example, people with sickle cell anemia often need emergency medical care or are admitted to the hospital because they experience complications like acute chest syndrome (ACS) or vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC). At One Brooklyn Health, the medical team is experienced in addressing these emergent issues with care and compassion.

"My experience at Brookdale's Comprehensive Sickle Cell Program has been great!" said Courtney, "I have to say thank you for all they've done for me!"

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