This Sickle Cell Awareness month, we’re celebrating the resilience of children living with sickle cell disease and the support systems who remind them they are more than their diagnosis.
“His brother says Ham is creative and kind,” said Ham’s mom, Trish. “We also think Ham is kind, generous, and thoughtful. He does his best to overcome any problems or issues relating to his health and physical limitations. We couldn’t be more proud.”
In Ham’s 16 years of life, he has had a lot thrown his way. “When he was younger, we spent at least three or four times a year—maybe more—in the hospital for Acute Chest Syndrome,” Trish said. Living with sickle cell, in addition to cerebral palsy, asthma, and other diagnoses, has not always made the road easy for Ham. Trish recalled an episode “I never want to see again,” she said. But Ham—and his family—found a new thing to look forward to when they were matched with the Drexel rowing team in the fall of 2024.
“Drexel Rowing is so welcoming. The players all make a point of hanging with Ham, talking with him and inviting him to get togethers, like Drexel basketball games with the team,” she said. “Ham is an enthusiastic participant. He enjoys being a part of the team.”
While sickle cell disease affects every child differently, many families know the uncertainty that comes with living with an illness people can’t always see.“Team IMPACT gives children living with sickle cell disease a team and community of their own,” said Grace Lerro, Ham and Drexel Rowing’s Team IMPACT Case Manager. “Because sickle cell disease is often an invisible diagnosis, it can be hard for others to understand the severe pain, fatigue, and complications they are experiencing under the surface. By joining a team that understands these challenges, kids and teens have a safe environment to be a teammate and be active in sports they may not otherwise be able to participate in.”
For Ham and Trish, joining Drexel rowing has provided more than a safe environment—it has provided Ham with a place to feel confident, form friendships, and know he truly belongs.
That understanding has become part of the culture at Drexel rowing and extends far beyond their shared time on campus. And when he is on campus, the team makes sure he is comfortable however they can. “The team really helps Ham by texting or calling him if he’s having any medical problems or procedures,” Patricia said. “When it’s cold out, they bundle him up in one of the team’s warm suits so he can enjoy himself and not cause a sickle episode. The team is very accommodating to Ham’s needs.”
“Rowing is a unique sport to be matched with, especially for someone living with sickle cell disease,” Grace said. “It’s outdoors nearly year-round and takes place on the water in early mornings in various temperatures. Ham is eager and willing to be out for early morning practices no matter the weather—and the team makes sure he is bundled up and right beside them. They are always accommodating and understanding if Ham is feeling sick or needs to reschedule plans because of his medical needs. They don’t miss a beat in coming up with the next best opportunity for him.”
For both Ham and the team, the outcomes from this friendship have been transformational. “We have seen Ham open up and talk to people more since joining the Drexel rowing team,” Trish said. “He looks forward to just hanging out with the guys and cheering them on, either from the boat or the sidelines. Being part of the team has motivated Ham to join track and basketball at his school. He loves it!”
“Throughout the match, Ham has grown in his confidence and social skills,” Grace added. “This has translated into Ham participating in unified track & field and basketball, where he received a coaches’ award for his dedication!”
“The team has given Ham, and his family, a place to come together and have fun outside of his diagnoses. This past year, the student-athletes have taken a more active role in including Ham in team activities like attending basketball games, receiving an MVP award at their team banquet, and even being recognized at the final race of the season.”
For families like Ham’s living with sickle cell disease, awareness means more than understanding the diagnosis. It means recognizing the person behind it and being tolerant of the things you may not see or understand. “We want people to know that sickle cell disease can be tough, but you can still do most of what a healthy person can do,” Trish said. “There are some limitations, but you learn to live with them. People who have sickle cell can have extreme pain, and people should be aware and tolerant of the pain they can be dealing with.”
For Grace, she’s seen some additional positive changes in the matches she manages, like Ham and Drexel rowing. “The same healthy habits student-athletes practice every day—staying hydrated, warming up and cooling down properly, and listening to their bodies—are also helpful for managing sickle cell disease,” she said. “Seeing collegiate teammates model these behaviors can result in better health promotion.”
After seeing the positive relationships transform her child, Trish hopes even more families of children living with sickle cell get to experience that same impact. “If there are other families with children who have sickle cell and want to sign up for Team IMPACT, I would tell them to do it right away,” she said. “This has been a wonderful experience for not only Ham but our whole family. Ham’s twin even likes going with his brother and watching the team.”
For Ham, his advice to other kids living with sickle cell reflects the resilience and positivity he shares with his teammates every day. “Don’t let it stop you from doing what you want. Live life to the fullest. Take your medication and listen to your doctors. Be happy, and don’t feel sorry for yourself.”
This Sickle Cell Awareness Month, we’re celebrating children like Ham who show us what resilience looks like every day and the teammates who prove that belonging can be one of the most powerful forms of support. At Team IMPACT, we believe every child deserves the chance to experience the confidence, connection, and joy that come from being part of a team. We’re grateful to our partner, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, for their commitment to advancing care for people living with sickle cell disease and helping create a brighter future for families like Ham’s.
