Meet Tiana, the adventurous Birmingham kid who refuses to let sickle cell slow her down

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Tiana Sharp isn’t one to sit on the sidelines. She loves roller coasters, zip lining and animals, dreams of becoming a veterinarian or nurse and hopes to visit Hawaii someday.

She’s also living with sickle cell disease, a condition that can bring difficult and painful days. But Tiana doesn’t let her diagnosis define her or keep her from enjoying the things she loves.

Instead, with the support of her family and care team at Children’s of Alabama, she continues to find ways to have fun, try new things and make the most of every opportunity.

Tiana‘s care team is there to support + serve

Did you know September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month? If you aren’t already aware, sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that causes red blood cells to become hard and sickle-shaped, which can block blood flow and lead to pain and other health complications. For children living with the condition, symptoms can vary and may include pain episodes, anemia, infections and other complications.

For Tiana’s mom, Tiffani, knowing the care team at Children’s has her daughter’s back gives her some peace of mind:

“Having a team that knows and understands her means the world. It takes some anxiety away.”

Tiffani Moore, Tiana’s mom

That relationship has also helped Tiana become more confident in speaking up about her own health. Tiffani says her daughter is learning to advocate for herself while also helping educate others about sickle cell disease.

Several members of Tiana’s care team have become especially important to her, including Dr. Brandi Parnell, Mrs. Julianna Shropshire, Mrs. Lafanetta Haslom and Mrs. D’Andra Gladden. And then there’s Sydney, the medical dog.

For Tiana, their support means having people in her corner through both the hard days and the good ones.

“Thank you for always making me feel special and taking care of me both when I am in pain and when I am feeling good.”

Tiana Sharp, Patient, Children’s of Alabama

Making room for joy

Watching her daughter navigate life with sickle cell disease has taught Tiffani to appreciate the little things and take advantage of the moments that matter. Her philosophy is one Tiana seems to embody naturally:

“If pain can show up when it wants, why not let joy and fun do the same?”

Tiffani Moore, Tiana’s mom

The family has learned to be thoughtful about the activities Tiana takes on, finding alternatives when something may be too difficult while still encouraging her adventurous spirit. That spirit is easy to spot. Tiana loves animals (especially dogs) and would love to have a pet snake someday.

There’s just one problem: Tiana’s mom has already made her stance pretty clear—no snakes in her house.

For Tiana, though, there are plenty of other adventures ahead. For one, she hopes to go bungee cord jumping when her mom gives her the green light.

One diagnosis doesn’t mean life stops

For other parents whose children have recently been diagnosed with sickle cell disease, Tiffani wants them to know that there is still plenty of life, joy and possibility ahead.

“It is not the end. Question everything, research and get second opinions. Still enjoy life, just with caution.”

Tiffani Moore, Tiana’s mom

She also encourages parents to help their children understand their health from an early age and to never be afraid to speak up for them. That approach has helped Tiana continue to be exactly who she is: adventurous, optimistic and always looking for her next experience.

Through it all, Tiana has held onto her sense of adventure and optimism. She put some of those feelings into words in a poem she wrote about her experience with sickle cell disease:

And behind her are the people who make those adventures possible.

“Everyone at Children’s of Alabama makes a difference no matter their job title. We see you and we are forever grateful for the smiles, hellos and prayers. The simple laughter goes farther than anyone will ever know.”

Tiffani Moore, Tiana’s mom

For Tiana, sickle cell disease is part of her story. But with her family, faith and Children’s care team beside her, it’s clear there’s a lot more to that story—including plenty of adventures still to come.

Want to make a difference in the lives of children across Alabama? Explore careers at Children’s of Alabama in nursing + beyond.

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