NP21716_CordBlood-E-book_2026-05-27 - Flipbook - Page 7
Cord blood recipient story
A cord blood transplant cured Sosa’s
sickle cell disease
Sosa received a double cord blood transplant for sickle cell disease
when she was 12 years old.
Now she’s in her 20s and is pursuing a career in medicine. She’s
completely cured.
“When I was little, we were told there was no cure for sickle cell,”
Sosa said. “I had frequent pain crisis and mini strokes. I had so many
restrictions, constantly planning around my treatment and monthly
transfusions. I didn’t know if I’d live to be 18.”
Since her transplant, Sosa’s life has changed dramatically.
“Before my transplant, I was never able to play sports. Now I’ve taken
up swimming, cross country and weight training. I’ve learned what it
means to be ‘normal,’ to not have to worry about pain. I can just live
the life I’ve been given.”
Cord blood transplant gave Sosa hope and led to a cure. “I did
experience some side effects after transplant, including infections and
skin problems, but they all resolved. Thanks to my doctors and the
people who donated their baby’s cord blood, a 12-year-old girl got a
chance to reimagine her life. I was reborn. I can’t thank them enough.
I am eternally grateful.”
Sosa, cord blood recipient
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