Teen with sickle cell disease takes class trip to Europe with Loyola Medicine’s help

Anyah Randolph, a teenager with sickle cell disease (SCD), was recently able to join her school class on a trip to Europe – and even climb the Eiffel Tower in Paris after the elevator broke – thanks to the help of hydroxyurea and Loyola Medicine pediatricians.

Anyah had a difficult childhood, as she was always in the hospital, according to her mother, Lakisia Mobley. Her life began to change after she met Loyola Medicine pediatric hematologist Dr. Natalie Kamberos, who introduced her to a new medication: hydroxyurea, a drug that keeps the blood cells round and flexible.