About the Sickle Cell Buddies Program

The Sickle Cell Buddy Program was started in 2016 to provide support for patients with sickle cell disease undergoing blood transfusion. Members of the Sickle Cell Buddies Program are paired with pediatric patients with sickle cell disease at UH Rainbow Babies. Patients often receive blood transfusions about once a month, and during each transfusion buddies are encouraged to visit and have fun with their patient during their stay. During the stay, medical students partake in activities with their patients, including games, puzzles, and arts and crafts.

​Patients with sickle cell disease suffer from health complications and implicit biases in healthcare. Through this program, students not only have fun but they also develop a better understanding of the disease and those affected by it. 
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Mission Statement

The goal of the Sickle Cell Buddies Program is to foster friendships, fun, and understanding between medical students and pediatric patients with sickle cell disease. 

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TOLU'S STORY
​Tolulope (Tolu) Rosanwo is a CWRU School of Medicine alumnus who founded Sickle Cell Buddies during her medical school studies. Her story provides a unique perspective on the disease and helps illustrate our goal as an organization. Please check out her blog to learn more

 The Sickle Cell Buddies Program is back and accepting new sign ups! Please sign-up for the email listserv below to be updated on program events. 

Other questions? Contact us!

Email: Anna Swensen (ags137@case.edu) or Ify Ekpunobi (​ioe@case.edu)