Antoinette Harlin age #
SICKLE CELL DISEASE
Antoinette is a vibrant, articulate, outgoing
child that doesn’t want anyone to know she has
Sickle Cell Disease because she doesn’t want
to be treated any different from any other child.
Unfortunately, that is not always possible. From infancy, she has overcome many
adversities to get to where she is today. She has been on Penicillin since birth
to strengthen her immune system and combat infection. The Penicillin helped
cure the infections but caused her to lose 60% of her hearing. She was deaf and
isolated from infancy and worked hard to learn how to speak and interact with
her peers.
Even though some days Antoinette cannot find the strength to get out of bed
and cannot live a normal child’s life, her attitude is always positive. She has
pain crisis at least 1–3 times a month and misses many days of school, due to
the pain, but still manages to be an honor student and a pillar member of her
school and community. She is encouraging to others and makes sure everyone
feels included and loved. Her anti-bullying art work was chosen to be part of the
2013 Statewide Tribute to Rosa Parks Children’s Art Exhibition that will travel to
multiple museums throughout Ohio and will end at the Ohio State House.
ALLIANCE, INC.