When Angelique was just 2 weeks old, she developed a 104-degree fever and was admitted to the hospital. Five days later, her mother received a call from the Center for Hereditary Diseases and Neonatal Sickle Cell Program of Puerto Rico, informing her that her baby had sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic blood disorder in the U.S. It often requires regular blood transfusions to help manage extreme pain and life-threatening complications. For Angelique, sickle cell crises cause fever and pain in her stomach, knees and feet. Angelique had her first crisis at just 3 months old and needed a blood transfusion. Since then, she has been receiving blood transfusions regularly. Now at 14, Angelique understands the importance of getting them to live a "normal" life. “I enjoy playing volleyball, drawing on my tablet, riding my bike, and doing crafts," Angelique said. "But I know that my condition impacts what I can do. For example, when I start playing volleyball...