About Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and related blood disorders are serious, lifelong conditions that currently have no simple cure. At the University of Florida, our Pediatric Hematology team is dedicated to advancing care, improving outcomes, and supporting patients and families through every stage of life.
Areas of Focus:
- State newborn testing
- Sickle cell trait education
- Complications of sickle cell disease
- Hydroxyurea therapy
- Chronic transfusion therapy
- Gene therapy for SCD
- Bone marrow transplant for SCD
- Community engagement and advocacy
About Our Program
The University of Florida Pediatric Sickle Cell Program provides compassionate, comprehensive care for children and young adults with SCD. Our team combines expert clinical care and programs to support overall health and quality of life. We are dedicated to caring for your child today while actively building new initiatives to improve care in the future.
We are actively developing new programs to:
- Improve the treatment of iron overload in patients who require frequent transfusions
- Provide comprehensive care for cardiac and pulmonary complications of SCD
- Support a smooth transition from adolescence to adulthood
- Enhance the overall quality of life for children, teens, and young adults living with SCD
Advanced Treatments and Collaboration
Our pediatric hematology specialists work closely with the UF Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant and Gene Therapy teams to provide patients with access to some of the most innovative and transformative therapies available for SCD. This collaboration allows us to offer:
- Curative Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT): Potentially curative therapy for eligible patients.
- Emerging Gene Therapies: Cutting-edge treatments that aim to correct the underlying genetic cause of SCD.
- Integrated Care: Coordination between hematology, transplant, and gene therapy teams ensures comprehensive evaluation, personalized treatment planning, and seamless follow-up.
Why Choose UF for Sickle Cell Care?
At the University of Florida, we are not only committed to providing excellent care today, but we are also actively building and expanding programs to meet the complex needs of children and young adults with SCD. Some initiatives are already in place, while others are in development — reflecting our commitment to continuous growth for our patients and families.
- Multidisciplinary team approach: Pediatric hematologists, BMT specialists, cardiologists, pulmonologists, psychologists, social workers, and nurses working together for your child’s care.
- Innovative therapies: Access to clinical trials, gene therapy, and curative transplant options.
- Comprehensive support: Education, mental health resources, transition programs, and family-centered care designed to support the whole child — not just the disease.
- Community connection: Programs that raise awareness, empower families, and bring patients together outside the hospital.
- Commitment to lifelong care: From newborn screening to adult transition, we are with families every step of the journey.
Our Team
Reema Kashif MD
Clinical Assistant Professor, Director Of Sickle Cell Disease Program, and Pediatric Clerkship Core Faculty Member
Phone:
(352) 273-9011
Anne Dove RN
Registered Nurse Specialist; Cell Disease and Hemophilia Coordinator
Phone:
(352) 273-9987
