Hosted May 2021 from Washington, DC
“I am so grateful to have been afforded this once in a life-time opportunity. We had so much fun, and it was so relaxing, especially for my mom who has been the greatest help to our family.”
Alaya is a 13-year-old who was born with sickle cell disease. She has had many pain crises and underwent hip surgery in 2020. Alaya was referred for bone marrow transplant (BMT) as a curative therapy for her sickle cell disease. Alaya has been admitted to Children’s National Hospital since 1/25/21 undergoing BMT. Unfortunately, after undergoing chemotherapy and transplant, her BMT has failed and her sickle cell returned. It is devastating for Alaya and her family. Alaya lives with her parents and three siblings (ages 4, 14, and 21).