Episode 3: Understanding Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease is a blood disorder that affects patients physically, emotionally, and socially. Even though sickle cell research and treatment have improved over the last several years, many are still learning about how this condition impacts the body and daily life.

In this episode, parents Audrey Davis and Quenton Mullins talk with Tekeima Townsend-Billups and Jerlym Porter about going through sickle cell disease with their daughters Courtney and Nia. They discuss the invisible and unpredictable nature of the disease, dealing with pain crises, the importance of therapy, and advocating for their children.

A special thank you our host, Tekeima Townsend-Billups, senior staff chaplain at St. Jude; our expert, Jerlym Porter, associate member of the St. Jude faculty in Psychology and Biobehavioral Sciences; and parents Audrey Davis and Quenton Mullins.

Learn more about Courtney and Nia’s diagnosis of sickle cell disease and the transition to adult health care on Together by St. Jude™.

The statistics that Quenton mentions on sickle cell disease in the U.S. can be found on the CDC’s website.

Discover more insights into Nia’s journey on the Together blog.

This episode was recorded May 15, 2025.

St. Jude does not endorse any branded product or organization mentioned in this podcast.