Meet Ramyla Dahmer

My name is Ramyla Dahmer and I am a sophomore at White Station High School in Memphis. Fifteen years ago, I was diagnosed with sickle cell disease at birth, and ever since it has had a major impact in my life. One thing I take away from life with SCD is my focus. I could focus on the pain, the meds, the hospital visits and isolation from others, as there’s always the desire to be normal. But I could also focus on my loving family who sticks with me in my good and bad days, the team of doctors at St. Jude tirelessly working to help me, the fact that I’m still here, and the many people who work to make life better for people like me. Growing up my focus was diverted at times when I thought the pain would overcome me, times when I thought I could never be normal. But then I realize that was years ago, and I’m still here. Today, I am enormously grateful to be the Ambassador for The Sickle Cell Foundation of Tennessee and want to help others like me adjust their focus through utilizing our resources and magnifying our voice in the community!