Bone marrow transplant cures patient with sickle cell disease

Stephanie Ramos had endured sickle cell anemia for 25 years and a bone marrow transplant seemed to be the only option to free her from her excruciating pain.

With the support of multiple physicians, including Golisano Children's Hospital hematologist/oncologist Jeffrey Andolina, M.D., the transplant took place last August - the first at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) in nearly a decade.

For Ramos, the push to explore a transplant started three years ago, when the disease began attacking her ankles. As she lost her ability to walk, she dropped out of college and was unable to work. With her quality of life diminishing, her UR Medicine Primary Care Physician, Tiffany Pulcino, M.D., brought her case to the sickle cell working group - a group of other sickle cell specialists at UR Medicine including Suzie Noronha, M.D. - to discuss possible options for Ramos.

That led them to Andolina, who suggested finding a potential bone marrow donor. Stephanie's family members were tested and her twin brother Jordan was a perfect genetic match.  

Read more of the incredible story of Stephanie's transplant. 

Check out the Democrat & Chronicle's coverage of the story, including an emotional video from the Ramos family.

Are you someone with sickle cell anemia or know someone who has it? Join the Rochester City Sicklers on Facebook for information on research, events, and more.