Sickle Cell Disease Presentation 

Final ignite presentation for H440: Medical and Psychological Aspects of Disability

The process of working on and developing this Ignite presentation taught me a lot, not only about sickle cell disease (SCD), but also about how to communicate a serious and complex topic in a short, powerful manner. It was challenging to fit important information into the standardized ignite slides, but ensured I was focused on the facts that matter and how to convey them most effectively. 

Despite my personal experience being screened for SCD, I didn’t realize how big of an issue it is for athletes until I began the research process. Ryan Clark's case really stuck with me. It showed how quickly careers and lives can change, even at the professional level, and certainly changed my perspective on how we prepare, protect, and support athletes with hidden conditions. Having recently completed a project on Marfan's syndrome and Isaiah Austin (a promising NBA talent whose life course was drastically altered by his condition), I saw many of the same psychosocial and emotional impacts between these two hidden conditions.

The most challenging part of this project was balancing medical facts with the emotional and social side of the disease. It’s more than just blood cells and bodies, but also their mental well-being and sense of self. Having completed this project, I now have a better understanding of the condition and a bigger appreciation for medical screenings and inclusive practices in sports and healthcare.