
His Journey
Meet Matty
- Diagnosis: Sickle Beta Thalassemia Zero
Matty’s body produces irregularly shaped red blood cells. These misshapen cells often get trapped, causing blockages that lead to painful crises.
In his five short years, Matty has been hospitalized over 15 times, with stays ranging from a few days to more than a week and a half each time.
His daily pain is managed with the help of nine different medications.
Despite everything, Matty is a beacon of happiness, love, and joy. He has a giving heart and prays every night for those we know who are sick.
Matty is also a typical little boy who loves dinosaurs, building with LEGO bricks, and expressing his creativity through art and drawing.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your love and support for my little Nugget, Matty. He truly means the world to me ❤️
His Life Story
Matthew is now 10 years old and has been hospitalized more than most adults. He continues to fight the daily pain of sickle cell disease while maintaining a positive attitude and bringing joy to others, especially his little sister Amirah. Despite his ongoing health challenges, Matthew has developed an incredible resilience and a passion for helping others. He often participates in local awareness events for sickle cell disease, sharing his story to inspire and educate the community. His bravery and optimism not only motivate those around him but also bring hope to families who are facing similar battles.
National Sickle Cell Awareness Month
was established to focus attention on sickle cell disease (SCD), a genetic blood disorder that affects approximately 100,000 people in the United States and millions worldwide. The month aims to educate the public about the disease, its symptoms, and the challenges faced by those living with it. It also encourages research and advancements in treatment options to improve the quality of life for individuals affected by SCD.