By Alexandria Leatherberry
The Truth Reporter
The Scott Center for Observation, Treatment and Transition held its second 5k walk/run to raise awareness of Sickle Cell Disease and honor those who have navigated living with Sickle Cell Disease. Led by La’Shardae Scott, DSW, S.C.O.T.T. organization hosted the Heal Together: Race for Sickle Cell at Ottawa Park to share, inform and bring forward the accomplishments that have been made for those living with sickle cell.
Prior to runners taking off, Scott centered attention on the organization’s honorees for this year. Honorable recognition was given to Councilwoman Brittany Jones, DSW, for Community Impact; Beta Phi Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and Zeta Xi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc for Community Partnership.
Tributes for lives that have been impacted by sickle cell disease were held for recognition as well. Recognized as Sickle Cell Warrior of the Year, Ty’Kela Smith, a survivor, shared her personal story of resilience and transforming her diagnosis into a mission now leading Sick Cell Awareness-Toledo as president.
Smith, the Sickle Cell Warrior of the Year, was diagnosed when she was six months old with the disease and doctors did not anticipate her living to adulthood. Sickle cell, a disease primarily limited to the African American community and a few other communities of color, does not have a track record of being widely understood by the medical establishment. When she was born, doctors accused her parents of stealing the child because, unlike them she was so light-skinned as a result of the disease, said Smith.
The doctors certainly didn’t expect her to reach adulthood. She did indeed reach childhood but not without a lot of pain and suffering along the way. She was in and out of hospitals frequently. She participated in activities such as sports but always had to be careful especially in the winter. Cold weather is not a blessing for the sickle cell patient.
She grew up and eventually became pregnant. Her doctor, her hematologist, insisted that she have an abortion. He said that neither she nor a baby could expect to survive and thrive. He also said that if she persisted, he would no longer treat her. She persisted and he walked away.
Smith’s daughter, Zy’Naijah, is now 16 years old and although Zy’Naijah carries the trait, she does not have the sickle cell disease.
But Smith’s difficulties as a sickle cell warrior have continued into adulthood. Pain is frequent and intense. She is obligated to travel to the Cleveland Clinic once a month for treatment and to Sandusky twice a week. The doctor who had been treating her up until almost three years ago moved to the Cleveland Clinic and his successor at ProMedica here did not believe that Smith was in much pain and declined to continue the treatment previously prescribed and also informed the staff in the emergency room not to treat her as before, said Smith. So, it’s to Sandusky and to Cleveland to receive treatment
Ty’Kela Smith is indeed a warrior.
Following Smith’s testimony, the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Cheryl L.Jones for her work within the Ohio Department of Health and contributions to advancing health care patient experiences. Her accomplishments did not come without her own experience of navigating the effects of sickle cell which she led a moment of silence for, honoring her late son, Jordan.
The severity of sickle cell complications was shared by the Winged Warrior Tribute, Judge Myron Duhart. The judge graciously shared the legacy of family members who have departed due to sickle cell. Duhart honored the achievements of his mother, Patricia Maddox-Duhart, as well as her siblings Donald Maddox and Constance Maddox.
In spite of their early life transition, Duhart emphasized the acquired higher education, community involvement, and commitment to service his family carried, even in the face of crisis. Judge Durhart has previously rarely spoken about the details of his family’s loss because the grief was too painful, but chose to share more with platforms advocating for better care for those living with sickle cell.
La’Shardae Scott has tirelessly built her platform from navigating her own experience of her two sons who live with sickle cell. Through education, advocacy, outreach and supportive programming, S.C.O.T.T. seeks to help others navigate health-related challenges and life transitions while strengthening resource connections. Scott has developed programs focused on helping patients transition from pediatric to adult care. Her work has included partnerships with Ohio hospitals and collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Scott previously served as Sickle Cell Director for the Neighborhood Health Sickle Cell Project of Northwest Ohio and has continued expanding community awareness through events, educational programs and advocacy. Scott has positioned the S.C.O.T.T. ‘s presence at the intersection of healthcare, advocacy, and community leadership.
Just before the walk began on Saturday, she was recognized by State Rep. Erika White and Senator Paula Hick-Hudson for her work as well as support of legislative progression. Connect and get involved with the center at scottcenteroh.org.