My Sickle Cell Research Xplained

Warning

Your browser is out-of-date. In order to have the best experience when viewing this site, please upgrade your browser.

Dismiss this warning

My Sickle Cell Research Xplained

Read Maree’s real story, as she shares her story to help you understand more about living with Type 2 Diabetes and managing the Hypos that can come along with it.

Easy to understand information about sickle cell disease research. Created by doctors and people living with sickle cell disease. Scroll to see the latest content we have created!

My Sickle Cell Research Xplained Stories

Stories based on people with sickle cell disease, their experiences and advice to others on how sickle cell research has played a role in their lives.
Sickle Cell Clinical Trial Experience

Blogs and Podcasts on Sickle Cell Disease Research

Check out the latest blogs and podcasts for helpful topics on sickle cell disease research.

To see all of our blogs, click here. To see all of our podcasts, click here.

Blog 8 – Basics Behind Gene Therapy

Episode 2 – Progress in SCD Research and Potential New Treatments

Join Our Facebook Community

We've created a private Facebook community to discuss sickle cell disease research. Join the community to stay up to date on content added to this website about sickle cell disease research!

Meet the Experts

Meet the experts who helped create the My Sickle Cell Research Xplained content. We’ve got a pretty great panel. Check out their bios to learn more!
Photo of Amber Yates, MD*

Amber Yates, MD*

Read more

Photo of Shirley Miller, MA*

Shirley Miller, MA*

Read more

Photo of Nirmish Shah, MD

Nirmish Shah, MD

Read more

Photo of Mary Brown*

Mary Brown*

Read more

Medicine X Story

Working as a medical doctor, I realized that far too many people may be confused about their diagnoses, their conditions, and their treatments. There can be a disconnect between the language that health care providers use, and what many individuals understand. This can make you feel anxious at what is often a very difficult time in your life.

We believe there is a better way. We believe all people, regardless of age, gender, culture or condition, should have access to medical information they can understand! Everyone should feel informed and empowered, in order to engage with their health care providers and be involved in making medical decisions.

This is why Medicine X was created.

 Signature

Dr Kim Chilman-Blair
Founder, Medicine X

About My Sickle Cell Research Xplained

Dedicated Team

The Medicine X team is made up of doctors, artists, and creative writers who work together to make sure the information provided on this website is medically correct, up-to-date, and easy to understand.

Sponsored By

The information provided by Medicine X is of a general nature and is not meant to be exhaustive or apply to your specific medical needs. Any information should not substitute or overrule the advice, diagnosis or treatment suggested by your doctor. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on Medicine X websites, apps, email communications or in our communities. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.

If you are engaging with Medicine X, please note that you're agreeing to our Terms and Conditions and our Privacy and Data Policy.

© Medicine X 2022. All rights reserved.

Amber Yates, MD*

Dr Amber Yates is a board-certified pediatric hematologist-oncologist who routinely cares for children with sickle cell disease and other blood disorders. She currently practices in Houston, Texas and has been named by Houstonia magazine as Top Pediatric Hematologist-Oncologist in 2019 and 2020! She’s committed to educating patients, families, and the general public about sickle cell disease. She also helps teenagers with blood disorders find the care they need when transitioning to adulthood! You can follow her on Twitter at @sicklecelldoc

*Dr Amber Yates participated in the creation of content pieces for My Sickle Cell Research Xplained, but has now moved onto another role. We thank her for her involvement with this project!

Shirley Miller, MA*

Shirley Miller is a sickle cell patient and advocate. She has more than 20 years of experience in sickle cell disease program development, clinical trials, and patient advocacy! To boot, she has served on the Comprehensive Centers Clinical Trials Consortium and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Sickle Cell Advisory Committee and worked at the Southwestern Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center in Dallas, Texas with Dr George Buchanan, one of the many pioneers in sickle cell disease! She has also been on the board of directors for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America and currently serves on the NHLBI Sickle Cell Advisory Committee and the FDA Advisory Committee. Shirley Miller authored a book entitled, The Stranger Within Me, sharing her journey living with sickle cell. We think she’s pretty awesome!

*Shirley Miller participated in the creation of content pieces for My Sickle Cell Research Xplained, but has now moved onto another role. We thank her for her involvement with this project!

Nirmish Shah, MD

Dr Nirmish Shah is an Associate Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics at Duke University and is the director of Duke’s sickle cell transition program. His practice and research focuses on treating children and adults with sickle cell disease. When he works with children, he tries to focus on teaching them about their condition and how to transition successfully to living with the disease as an adult. For all patients, he focuses on providing the medical, social, and psychological support they need to remain healthy. His research aims to increase engagement of sickle cell patients with their own care using mobile technology. In his spare time, Dr Shah enjoys art where he draws living things! How cool is that?

Mary Brown*

Mary Brown is a dedicated and passionate community advocate and educator for sickle cell disease. She is the President and CEO of the Sickle Cell Disease Foundation (SCDF). She has served on several boards, including the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Community Health Charities of California, and the Center for Inherited Blood Disorders (CIBD). In 2019, the SCDF and CIBD were actively involved in educating California legislators about the concerns adults with sickle cell disease face.

As a result, the State of California awarded their efforts to develop clinical services, increase awareness of sickle cell disease, and empower individuals to live a healthy and productive life.

*Mary Brown participated in the creation of content pieces for My Sickle Cell Research Xplained, but has now moved onto another role. We thank her for her involvement with this project!
Can we ask you a few questions?