Bone Marrow Transplants:Is It The Answer or The Cure For Sickle Cell Disease?

Teonna Woolford was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. Although she has Sickle Cell Disease (hbSS) and has faced numerous health complications, she is talkative, friendly, and full of life. A true fighter at heart, she has recovered from bilateral hip replacements, a failed bone marrow transplant, many pain crises, and several other complications. She has a passion for affecting change throughout the Sickle Cell community and understands the realities of those impacted by the disease. While sickle cell has been a huge part of Teonna’s life, she does her best not to let sickle cell define who she is. She credits God and gives Him all the glory for any achievements and/or accomplishments. Her family and loved ones keep her grounded and remind her that she has a lot to live for and look forward to. Teonna has a wide range of interests including, reading, writing, watching movies, and keeping up with current events around the world. She loves to cook and spend time with her family. She is very active in her church and staying within the will of God is her highest priority. Teonna believes that advocacy and awareness are a high priority for the sickle cell community and strives to not only educate people, but also spread the word about the emotional toll sickle cell can have on people with the disease, as well as, their family members. Since sickle cell affects minorities in the United States, Teonna believes it is important for those who do not have sickle cell to have the opportunity to make an emotional investment. Whenever she speaks about sickle cell, she is very transparent about her personal experiences with the disease. She has spoken at schools and churches, to First Lady, Michelle Obama, Dr. Ben Carson, and members of congress, such as civil rights leader and humanitarian Congressman John Lewis. Along with advocacy, Teonna is also passionate about community service.