The outlook for people with sickle cell disease has improved greatly in the past 50 years. Early diagnosis and advances in treatment have made a difference.
In countries like the United States, with well-resourced health care systems, more than 90 percent of children with the disease live well into adulthood. The keys are learning how to take the best care of yourself and seeing a health care team that understands your needs.
In the Seattle area, children with sickle cell are treated at Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic, which is part of Seattle Children’s.
We work closely with Seattle Children’s to help young adults and their families make a smooth switch to adult care at Fred Hutch. Our focus is on giving young adults the information, services, skills and support they need to live a long, healthy life.
If you are a young adult with sickle cell disease (or their parent or guardian), talk with your pediatric team about getting ready to move to adult care. Contact Fred Hutch to request an appointment with our experts.