A Father’s Hurdles Caring for Son with Sickle Cell Disease – John Dzido’s Story
Ghanaian father John Dzido recounts the challenges he’s faced since his son Caleb—diagnosed with severe HbSS sickle cell disease at 18 months—suffered a stroke at age three. Now 17, Caleb is bedridden and battling ongoing complications, requiring constant care. 1. Intensive Medical Care for Years Over the past 14 years, Caleb has endured multiple strokes, seizures, surgeries, chronic blood transfusions, management of iron overload, recurrent infections, and the most recent scoliosis diagnosis. John remains Caleb's full-time caregiver, overseeing his medication, feeding, bathing, and transfer with great care due to a hip implant. 2. Personal & Emotional Toll John explains that Caleb’s condition severely impairs speech, mobility, and cognition—leaving him dependent on others for all daily tasks. He has sacrificed jobs—last working at the Sickle Cell Foundation—due to unpredictable hospital visits and caregiving demands. 3. Financial Struggles & Treatment Expenses Medication, blood […]
