A New Hope for Kendric Cromer
Last Wednesday was supposed to be a momentous occasion for Kendric Cromer, a 12-year-old boy, as he was set to celebrate a special party. However, the anticipated festivities had to be postponed due to the effects of the medication he received prior to his groundbreaking treatment. This day was meant to signify the dawn of a new chapter in Kendric’s life — one where he could finally break free from the shackles of sickle cell disease, a condition that has overshadowed his childhood.
On September 11, despite the excitement surrounding his treatment, Kendric found himself too groggy to fully engage with the world around him as he lay in his hospital bed at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. The medications administered to prepare him for the gene therapy left him drowsy and unable to keep his eyes open.
Living with sickle cell disease has been a tumultuous journey for Kendric, marked by episodes of severe pain that often required extended hospital stays as medical professionals worked tirelessly to manage his symptoms. The relentless nature of the disease has taken a toll on his body, eroding his hip bones and limiting his ability to engage in activities that most children take for granted. Simple joys like riding a bicycle or playing soccer were often out of reach for him. Additionally, cold weather posed a significant challenge, as temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit would frequently trigger intense pain, forcing him to stay indoors.
However, after undergoing gene therapy, Kendric now envisions a future devoid of the pain and limitations he has endured for so long. In just a month or so, he dreams of a life where he can participate in activities without the constant fear of pain disrupting his enjoyment. “I can’t wait to start my new life,” he expressed eagerly to his mother, Deborah Cromer.
The root cause of Kendric’s sickness lies in an inherited genetic mutation that leads to the formation of crescent-shaped blood cells, known as sickles, instead of the normal disc shape. These sickle-shaped cells become trapped in blood vessels and organs, resulting in pain and damage to the body. Fortunately, gene therapy offers a promising solution by introducing a new, normal hemoglobin gene that has the potential to alleviate the debilitating symptoms of the disease.
