Dear Professor ____________________,

My name is Jessie Bland, and I'm in your ____________________ class this semester. I'm a biology major, and I'm looking forward to the course. I'm writing because I have sickle cell disease, and I'd like you to know a few things now, so that if something happens during the semester, neither of us is surprised.

What it is, briefly. Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder. It is not contagious. My red blood cells can become stiff and misshapen and block blood flow, which can cause sudden episodes of severe pain, called pain crises. I'm also more likely to get tired, and infections can be more serious for me. Most days I'm fine, and you won't notice anything at all.

What I do in class to stay well.

• I drink a lot of water, so I'll have a water bottle with me in lecture. In lab, I know drinks aren't allowed at the bench. I'll leave my bottle outside the door and step out briefly when I need it.
• I may need to leave the room quickly to use the restroom, for the same reason. I'll be back.
• Cold can trigger a crisis, so I dress in layers. If the room is very cold, I may sit away from the air vents.
• I'd like to sit near the door, if that's all right, so I can step out without disturbing anyone.

What a pain crisis looks like. A crisis can come on over minutes or hours. I may have severe pain in my back, chest, arms, legs or joints. I may look pale, tired, or like I'm having trouble concentrating. If it starts during class, I'll probably quietly gather my things and leave. Please don't ask me to explain in front of the class. I'll e-mail you or come by your office afterward.

When to call 911. Please call 911, or campus police, and tell them I have sickle cell disease, if you ever see me:

• having trouble breathing, or complaining of chest pain
• confused, very drowsy, or hard to wake
• suddenly weak or numb on one side, or having trouble speaking
• having a seizure
• in pain so severe that I can't get myself out of the room

I carry a letter from my hematologist in my wallet with my diagnosis and treatment plan. Please make sure the paramedics get it.

Why I might miss class. Sometimes a crisis or an infection puts me in the hospital, usually for a few days. I also have regular appointments with my hematologist in Birmingham, which I schedule around your exams whenever I can. If I miss a class, I'll get the notes from a classmate and catch up. If I miss an exam or a lab because I'm in the hospital, I'll contact you as soon as I'm able and bring documentation from my doctor. I'm registered with the campus disability services office, and they can confirm my situation if you need them to.

What I'm not asking for. I'm not asking for easier grading or less work. I want to earn my grades like everyone else. I'm only asking for some flexibility if my health gets in the way, and a little understanding about the water bottle.

Thank you for reading this. Please feel free to ask me anything about it, now or anytime. I'd much rather you ask than wonder.

Sincerely,

Jessie Bland
E-mail: [email protected]

For roommates (the extra page)

If you live with me, thanks in advance for putting up with all the water bottles. Here is what would help:

• Keep the apartment from getting freezing. We can talk about the thermostat. I'll owe you.
• Know where my stuff is. My hematologist's card and my medication list are taped inside the kitchen cabinet next to the phone. My mom's number is there too.
• If I say I'm having a crisis, and I can't manage it at home, I may need a ride to the emergency room. If you can drive me, please do. If you can't, or if I have any of the 911 signs above, call 911.
• Fever. If I have a fever over 101, I need to see a doctor that day, even if I say I'm fine. Make me go. I mean it.
• Don't panic. Most of the time I'm just a guy who drinks a lot of water and goes to bed by midnight.