Sickle Cell and Thalassemia Transplant
Sickle Cell Transplant Resources

Conditions We Treat

Sickle Cell Disease (HbSS, HbSC, HbSβ⁰, HbSβ⁺)
Thalassemia major and intermedia
Sickle/Thalassemia overlap syndromes
Transfusion-dependent hemoglobinopathies

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transplant or gene therapy right for my child (or for me)?

Not every patient needs transplant right away, and not every patient is the same. Our team carefully reviews your medical history, symptoms, and goals to help you understand whether transplant or another transformative therapy option may be right for you, now or in the future. The decision is always shared, thoughtful, and never rushed.

How safe is transplant today?

Transplant does carry risks, but it is safer today than ever before. At Texas Children’s, we use the latest approaches to reduce complications, including medicines that lower the risk of GVHD, close monitoring of the brain and organs, and access to advanced immune therapies if problems arise. Our team also works with national research groups to continually improve safety and outcomes.

What if we don’t have a matched sibling donor?

Many families worry about this, and you are not alone. In addition to matched sibling transplants, we offer half-matched (haploidentical) transplants, matched unrelated donor options, and gene therapy trials for eligible patients. We will review all possible options with you.

What will life be like during and after transplant?

Transplant is a journey that takes time. Most patients stay in the hospital for several weeks, followed by close follow-up after discharge. Our team supports not only medical recovery, but also emotional health, school planning, and returning to everyday life. Long-term follow-up helps protect health years after transplant.

How does your team support families emotionally and practically?

We know transplant affects the whole family. Our social workers, psychologists, and patient navigators help with emotional support, housing needs, school coordination, and connecting families to community and peer support. You are never expected to handle this alone.

How do we get started or learn more?

The first step is a consultation either referred by your hematologist or requested by your family. This visit is focused on listening, education, and answering questions. Even if transplant is not the right choice right now, we are happy to help guide next steps and future planning.

Can we talk to another family who has been through transplant?

Yes. Through the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP / Be The Match®) Peer Connect Program, families can choose to talk with trained peer volunteers who have personal experience with transplant either as patients, caregivers, or donors.If you’re interested, clink on this link https://www.nmdp.org/patients/transplant-support/patient-support-center/peer-connect

Advocacy Organizations

Beyond Diagnosis | A Resource for Families
Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center offers Beyond Diagnosis, a comprehensive handbook with local, national and online resources to support patients and families navigating a cancer or blood disorder diagnosis. Download it at texaschildrens.org/beyonddiagnosis or use the button below.

Download Beyond Diagnosis

Below, see a list of organizations selected from Beyond Diagnosis that are relevant to cancer prevention and screening.