Get ready for this incredible BONUS episode of Waiting is the Hardest!🎙️We're sharing a true story that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Our house was struck by lightning during Sofia's Bone Marrow Transplant, and what followed was a journey of challenges, fear, and ultimately, triumph. Join us as we reflect on this life-changing experience and discover the power of resilience in the face of unexpected events. Tune in now and be captivated! #LifeChangingEvent #Resilience #WaitingIsTheHardestPodcast"

We wrap up our conversation with Dr. Gregory Yanik, Director of the Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Program at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Parts 1 and 2 of this double bonus episode is a must-listen for every patient, family, and doctor in the healthcare field.  Dr. Yanik epitomizes a model of compassion and respect for families and patients that every healthcare center should replicate and implement ASAP. This episode covers graft versus host disease, patient advocacy, the latest in half and full-match bone marrow transplant options for patients with sickle cell anemia, gene editing, recently completed studies from the Bone Marrow Transplant Clinical Trial Network, and much more!

You're in for a treat, WITH listeners! Have you ever interacted with a doctor and asked yourself, "how can I clone this provider so everyone can have this great experience?"  Well, I have and this is the doctor I wish every single person receiving medical care could receive it from. Dr. Gregory Yanik is the Director of the Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Program at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. From the moment you press play, you will hear why he's the GOAT. This is a can't miss episode. 

Dr. Andrew Campbell, Director of the Comprehensive Sickle Cell Disease program at Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C graces our presence on the show. Dr. Campbell enlightens us with the latest in cures for sickle cell disease, educates us on first-of-its-kind legislation, the Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Centers Act of 2022, natural remedies, and many more insights about Sickle Cell Disease and Bone Marrow Transplant that you can't miss.This episode is a must-share for anyone who is personally or knows someone who is experiencing sickle cell anemia. Press play now!

Sofia is the spotlight of season two! Born with Sickle Cell Anemia, an inherited blood disorder that affects red blood cells, Sofia underwent a Bone Marrow transplant that cured her of this disease that causes pain, fatigue, and additional complications. This season will feature Sofia's journey of healing. We will interview Sofia's donor, her brother Tevis and medical team. This season of Waiting is the Hardest will also highlight another sickle cell survivor, Kennedy and her donor, her mother Tamika. Kennedy will share her unique journey, lessons learned along the way, and encouragement for anyone who is going through a difficult health situation.Kennedy's story airs March 17 2023. You will be inspired and enlightened by both young ladies' perseverance and commitment to overcoming the odds. Set your reminders now!Bonus episodes air March 24 and March 31.

Big brother, and Sofia's perfect match donor, Tevis, joins this episode of WITH. He offers an extremely unique perspective on donating bone marrow, insights into complications he faced following the procedure, and the importance of donating organs. BMF donor process:https://bethematch.org/transplant-basics/donation-process/donating-bone-marrow/

Hooray, Sofia is cured! No more pain, right??? Think again! In episode 5, Sofia shares her post-transplant ordeal. It wasn't all 🍭 and  🌈.Sofia also shares how she conquered the dark days post-transplant (with the help of Kirk Franklin) and turned the corner.

Johnita shares the backstory of Sofia's birth and how the choices that resulted from this birth story set the course for Sofia's life path.  Other topics include: Tests to determine genetic and/or health issues with unborn fetus', communicating sickle cell trait within the black community, advice for pregnant women with babies with health issues, and more.

This episode is full of resources for anyone going through, considering, or curious about Bone Marrow Transplant. Topics include: coping and supporting transplant patients, and weighing the advantages, and tradeoffs of undergoing a transplant. We also discuss reproduction and fertility challenges associated with transplants.Sofia shares insightful thoughts that patients, community, and/or support members will find of value.

Sofia's bone marrow transplant happened in 2011. In this episode, listeners are introduced to my niece, Kennedy, who offers a more recent perspective on the transplant process.  Kennedy underwent a Bone Marrow Transplant in 2019. She'll share her story and her journey of recovery and healing from Sickle Cell Anema. Kennedy and her mom, Tamika, offer informative and at times, shocking stories that occurred during Kennedy's journey.Another can't miss an episode!