Why I Chose to an Experimental Trial to Potentially Cure My Sickle Cell Disease

Danielle Lee during treatment. For as long as I can remember, sickle cell disease has been a part of my life. It was something my mom always talked openly about—I was diagnosed with it before I was even born. As a child, I remember being in and out of the hospital frequently for sickle cell crises that couldn’t be managed at home. The severe pain would leave me bedridden and unable to do the basic things kids take for granted, like playing or going to school. Danielle (far left) on set. Over the years, I learned to anticipate my triggers and tried to manage my condition as best I could, but sickle cell always loomed over me. Simple things like temperature changes, dehydration, lack of sleep, or stress could spark an agonizing crisis. At one point, my mom even got a job at the local hospital just to ensure I had good health care access when I needed it. As I got older, sickle cell became more than just a physical challenge. It threatened to hold me back from achieving my dreams. I’ve been passionate about acting since I was 14 years old, but my illness made it extremely difficult...