This week we are going heavy! Sickle cell trait is an inherited blood disorder that affects 1 million to 3 million Americans and 8 to 10 percent of African Americans. 

Today we’re talking to Elle Cole. Elle is a recipient of a Bronze Congressional Award and has been featured on NPR, ABC 7, BBC World Service Radio, and a guest on many podcasts. She is a writer, motivational speaker, and social media strategist. CleverlyChanging.com and the Cleverly Changing podcast are a go-to resource on health, wellness, finances, and parenting. She is also a passionate storyteller. Elle is also the mother of 2 beautiful twin daughters. One of whom has sickle cell anemia. Join us this week as she takes us on her journey as a mother to a daughter with sickle cell anemia.

In this episode we talk about: 

1:25: What is Elle’s background?

2:40: What was your experience when you found out your daughter had sickle cell anemia?

8:57: Do you think knowing that you had the trait before you got pregnant would’ve been helpful?

11:07: How has it been having a child in and out of the hospital because of sickle cell anemia?

14:36: Did you experience any racism during your daughters treatments?

25:00: What kind of advice would you give to  other parents who have children with sickle anemia or chronic illnesses?

30:33: What do you think is missing in the care of people with sickle cell anemia?

37:25: Resources for parents with children diagnosed with Sickle Cell Anemia

Connect with Elle Cole:

A Sickle Cell Coloring book for Kids - https://cleverlychanging.com/product/the-sickle-cell-coloring-book-for-kids/

Homeschool Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cleverly-changing-podcast/id1451305011

Cleverly Changing Blog - Cleverlychanging.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cleverlychanging/?hl=en

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Hope & Destiny: The Patient and Parent’s Guide to Sickle Cell Disease and Sickle Cell Trait https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Destiny-Patient-Parents-Disease/dp/0984144706

Super Cells - https://www.amazon.com/Super-Cells-Princess-Walls/dp/0578546086

Be The Match - https://bethematch.org/

Don't forget to check us out on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/melaninmamaspodcast/?hl=en