2016 Speak Now For Kids Family Advocacy Day Hero: Taniah

At birth, Taniah was diagnosed with sickle cell disease, a disorder in which blood cells become sickle-shaped, inflexible and sticky causing a blockage that slows or stops blood flow. When this happens, oxygen is unable to reach nearby tissues and organs, impairing their function. As a result of her condition, Taniah has spent a great deal of time at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. She will be followed by the Hematology Team at Lurie Children’s for many years to come. 

Now 9-years-old, Taniah is happy and healthy as a result of a new medication her care team has prescribed. Because of the exceptional care she has received at Lurie Children’s, Taniah aspires to be a doctor when she grows up. When she is not studying hard in school to achieve this goal, she loves to spend her time singing and dancing.