Teen Damon Copes with Sickle Cell Crisis with Starlight VR
Meet Damon
Damon is your regular 16-year-old boy who loves to skateboard and game with his friends. However, in late 2023, Damon was hospitalized for a bilateral lung collapse and a blood transfusion from pneumonia, all caused by an excruciating sickle cell episode – his first one in eight years.
Unexpected episodes of extreme pain are a common symptom for sickle cell patients. Damon's mom Liz told us how one of the most challenging parts of sickle cell disease is how suddenly their world can change.
Physical pain, anxiety and stress can be disorienting, but Starlight Virtual Reality gives Damon comfort and calm in a time when he needs it most. The VR experiences and interactive games help him distract from and manage his pain. For kids like Damon, Starlight Virtual Reality benefits include assisting with sickle cell pain management at home, as well as helping them find relief from anxiety and feel peace.
Liz spoke more about the noticeable differences she sees in Damon after he uses the Starlight VR:
"Positive changes I’ve noticed in Damon when he uses VR are a sense of calmness and a significant impact on his education and self-confidence. For me, I feel it's a safe, controlled environment for my son and most importantly he enjoys it and keeps him calm." - Liz, Damon’s mom
Since the episode in 2023, Damon has been hospitalized one more time for sickle cell crisis treatment, but has since returned home and is taking each day as it comes. He’ll be entering 11th grade in the fall and is looking forward to another school year with his friends!
Sickle cell disease affects the lives of approximately 100,000 people in the United States. Starlight’s mission is to deliver happiness to kids living with serious illnesses, like Damon, when they need it the most.
This Sickle Cell Awareness Month, help give sickle cell patients’ find relief from chronic pain by providing them with fun and positive distraction through a Starlight program.
Donate today.
