Angel Ervin’s Family

Angel Ervin Angel was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease at birth. But it wasn’t until she was in high school when symptoms from her condition arose.

When Angel was 15, she developed severe Acute Chest Syndrome. Upon being admitted to the hospital for 14 days without a diagnosis, she was quickly rushed to the pediatric ICU when doctors discovered the pneumonia-like illness infiltrating her lungs.

Angel spent her 16th birthday in the hospital with her mom by her side. She was discharged after a month-long stay, though her battle didn’t end there.

After three years of hospital visits and appointments, Angel finally qualified to enroll in a medical research trial, enabling her to begin her journey of receiving a stem cell transplant.

Over the course of four months, Angel underwent the collection of cells to be modified and eventually reintroduced back into her body to then produce healthy blood cells. The procedure is done with the hopes of eliminating her symptoms due to sickle cell disease.

December 7, 2022, marks the day of Angel’s transplant. She was discharged from the hospital on January 6, 2023, and she and her mom stayed at Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s until Angel could return home a couple months later. Though it’s still a long road to recovery, Angel and her mom are optimistic and grateful for the support of Ronald McDonald House during this critical phase of care.