When Keshia talks about her son, she doesn't start with his diagnosis. She talks about his determination.
Today, Jalen is preparing for graduation from North Carolina A&T State University, where he studies graphic communications and design. He is exploring career opportunities, building new skills and looking ahead to the next chapter of his life.
For his mother, reaching this moment feels especially meaningful.
Over the years, she has watched Jalen overcome more obstacles than most people his age can imagine. Through every setback, she says the same qualities have carried him forward: resilience, perseverance and an unwillingness to give up.
"He's my motivation. He's my strength. He's my everything," Keshia said. "Just seeing everything he's endured and overcome gives me strength to keep going."
A journey that began before birth
After learning that both she and Jalen's father carried the sickle cell trait, Keshia underwent additional testing and discovered their son would have sickle cell disease. Determined to prepare herself, she began researching the condition and learning everything she could about what life might look like for her child.
Just four months after he was born, Jalen experienced his first sickle cell crisis.
"You can't explain what's happening to a baby," Keshia recalled. "You can only hold them, love them and do everything you can to help them through it."
Shortly afterward, the family relocated to Charlotte, where Keshia chose Atrium Health Levine Children's Hospital for her son's care.
What followed was more than two decades of partnership.
More than pain
Sickle cell disease is a lifelong blood disorder that changes the shape of red blood cells, causing them to become rigid and crescent-shaped. These cells can block blood flow, leading to pain and potentially serious complications affecting multiple organs throughout the body.
“Sickle cell disease is often portrayed as a disease of pain, but it impacts much more than that,” said Dr. Kristina Harrell, pediatric hematologist and oncologist at Atrium Health Levine Children's Cancer & Blood Disorders. “It is a disease of the blood, and blood is everywhere in your body. It can affect all parts of the body, including the brain, kidneys, liver and other organs.”
Over the years, Jalen faced many of those challenges firsthand. There were hospitalizations, missed holidays and difficult seasons, but his determination never wavered.
Through it all, Keshia says the Levine Children's team became an extension of their family.
“It takes a village,” she said. “And it takes a strong medical, loving, caring village. That's what we've had from day one.”
For Dr. Harrell, those relationships are at the heart of sickle cell care.
“It is really important to me that families know we have their back,” she said. “Our goal is to work with them to manage the disease so they can go out and live the life they want, whether that means pursuing a career, traveling, playing sports or accomplishing whatever goals they set for themselves.”
Continuing to move forward
As a child, Jalen loved Legos and playing T-ball. As he got older, he developed an interest in art and design and began pursuing a degree in graphic communications.
His diagnosis was always part of his life, but it was never the whole story.
One of the most difficult moments came in July 2024, when Jalen suffered a stroke that affected his vision and left him partially blind.
The complication created new challenges during a time when many young adults are becoming increasingly independent.
For Dr. Harrell, experiences like Jalen's highlight why specialized, comprehensive sickle cell care is so important.
“Serious complications can happen, which is why ongoing monitoring and specialized treatment are critical,” she said.
Today, Jalen receives monthly exchange transfusions to help reduce the risk of future complications and support his long-term health.
Yet despite everything he has faced, he continues to focus on what comes next.
“He has really shown tremendous growth despite the obstacles he's encountered with his health,” Dr. Harrell said. “He persevered and is excelling in college. With his tenacity, I have no doubt that he will continue to accomplish any goal he sets his mind to.”
Finding his voice
Over the years, Dr. Harrell has watched Jalen grow not only as a patient, but as an advocate.
One memory stands out.
During a Levine Children's family event, Jalen spoke with another young person who was considering exchange transfusion therapy.
“He's usually quiet,” Dr. Harrell said. “But he was able to eloquently explain the benefits of the treatment from his own experience. I was so proud of him and the way he's learned to advocate for himself.”
That willingness to help others is part of why Keshia wanted to share his story.
She hopes families facing similar challenges know they are not alone. She hopes young people living with sickle cell disease see someone who understands what they're going through. And she hopes others recognize the strength that exists behind every diagnosis.
Looking ahead
Earlier this year, Jalen reached another important milestone when he transitioned from Levine Children's pediatric sickle cell program to the adult sickle cell team at Atrium Health Levine Cancer.
For Dr. Harrell, watching patients reach that point is one of the most rewarding parts of her work.
“I do have some families who think of me as an auntie who also happens to provide their medical care,” she said. “Seeing them grow and become wonderful adults is the highlight of my job.”
As Sickle Cell Awareness Month shines a light on individuals and families affected by the disease, Jalen's story offers an important reminder: people are so much more than their diagnoses.
His future is filled with possibility. Graduation is on the horizon. New opportunities are ahead.
And through it all, he continues to show that while sickle cell disease has shaped his journey, it will never define who he is.
“It's okay to question. It's okay to get frustrated,” Keshia said. “But don't give up. Keep going.”
Learn more about the nationally ranked pediatric cancer and blood disorders care at Atrium Health Levine Children's Hospital.
