Shassé’s Medical Expenses

My name is Shonteé Shepherd-Hendfield. My daughter Shassé Shepherd was born with Sickle Cell Anemia. Sickle Cell Anemia is a serious hereditary disease that produces abnormally shaped (sickle shaped or crescent moon shaped) red blood cells. These rigid, sticky cells get stuck in small blood vessels which slow or block blood flow and oxygen to parts of the body. When this happens, the body experiences periodic episodes of pain called crisis. Sickle Cell Crisis in Shassé's case is intense and usually lasts anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks depending on the quality and timing of the treatment. Her treatment includes daily intake of prescribed medications at home. When admitted in the hospital, she's constantly on oxygen, saline and doses of severe pain medicine such as morphine. As of late, she's even needed blood. Her having Sickle Cell has also brought on other complications such as Avascular Necrosis, Gallstones and Acute Chest Syndrome. Eventhough treatments are available for Sickle Cell, there is only one cure which is a Bone Marrow Transplant and it costs anywhere from $100,000 - $300,000 and $300,000 - $600,000. The actual cost depends on the person, the length and recovery of procedure, qualifications by insurance, donor availability etc.

If anyone of you reading this know Shassé aka Shae or have had the opportunity of meeting her at least once, you'll know that she has an enormous and out of this world personality. She is courageous, fearless, bold, strong, outspoken, independent, cheerful and loving. She doesn't like to talk about her condition because in her eyes it makes her seem weak and she doesn't want ANYONE, "feeling sorry" for her. Most importantly, Shassé puts her hope and trust in GOD ALMIGHTY because she knows without a doubt that GOD always makes a way and it is only because of HIM that she has made it this far. I too know and believe this without a doubt. For me, it's hard seeing my child go through so much, especially at a young age. I just want the suffering to end and for her to be cured.

Please find it in your heart to give a donation in any amount. For those that cannot give, please share this link and continue to keep Shassé in your prayers. Thanking you in advance!

P.s. For the few people wondering, I got permission from Shassé before and after creating this post. She's okay with it. She encourages everyone to seek GOD 1st in everything you do and remember to spread peace, joy and love. ❤