In this episode of Child Life On Call, guest Maite Rodriguez shares her daughter Alessia’s inspiring journey with sickle cell disease (SCD)—from diagnosis at birth and painful crises to finding a cure through a pediatric bone marrow transplant at Memorial Sloan Kettering. Maite discusses the challenges of long-term treatments like hydroxyurea, the emotional toll of hospitalizations, and her family’s decision to pursue IVF to create a genetic match. She also introduces her bilingual children’s book, Just Like the Moon, which helps families explain sickle cell to children, siblings, and communities.
00:05 – Newborn diagnosis and the first sickle cell pain crisis
09:00 – Daily medications: penicillin, folic acid, and hydroxyurea
20:00 – How advocacy, research, and community support make a difference
25:00 – Considering a cure: bone marrow transplant and IVF journey
31:00 – Why Memorial Sloan Kettering was chosen for Alessia’s transplant
41:00 – Life after transplant: cured of sickle cell, dancing in the rain
48:00 – Writing Just Like the Moon, a bilingual sickle cell book for kids
Just Like the Moon, a book written by Maite Rodriguez
Memorial Sloan Kettering Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Program
Sickle Cell Consortium – Resources & Advocacy
Ronald McDonald House Charities – family lodging during hospital care
Support your child with step-by-step tips from certified child life specialists.
👉 Download the SupportSpot app (iOS & Android)
🌟 Special Thank You for Our Listeners! 🎉
We’re giving you free access to our most popular pediatric masterclasses — How to Prepare, Support, and Respond to Your Child During Shots, Blood Draws, and Vaccines and How to Use Comfort Positioning in Pediatrics — a $250 value, completely free! All you have to do is leave a written review of the Child Life On Call podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, then email a screenshot of your review to podcast@childlifeoncall.com. Once we receive it, you’ll get instant access to both courses — no strings attached. It’s our way of saying thank you for listening and helping more parents discover our show. 💛
The Child Life On Call Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared in each episode, including stories, discussions, and interviews, is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. The views and opinions expressed by guests on the Child Life On Call Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Child Life On Call. Child Life On Call does not endorse any specific medical treatments, procedures, or opinions shared in the podcast. If you or your child is experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that Child Life On Call and its affiliates are not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided.