Some stories deserve to be heard.

Others have the power to change how we see, understand, and respond to the experiences of those around us. ❤️ For more than ten years, I've had the privilege of knowing Jasmine Garland and her family. I've watched her show up for her children, support other caregivers, and lend her voice whenever I've called upon her to advocate for the sickle cell community. But sitting down with Jasmine for this interview gave me an even deeper appreciation for the woman, mother, and advocate she has become. As part of my collaboration with the Georgia Sickle Cell Data Collection (SCDC) Program, I had the honor of documenting Jasmine's experience learning of her son Sebastian's sickle cell diagnosis and the journey that followed. What unfolded was so much more than a diagnosis story. We talked about lessons learned, the importance of community, the challenges caregivers quietly navigate, and how this journey can reshape our understanding of strength, success, and even ourselves. One message from Jasmine stayed with me: “Diagnosis is not a definition.” I'm incredibly proud to share this photoblog, which brings Jasmine's story to life while reminding us that behind every data point is a person, a family, and an experience worth understanding. My hope is that it reaches a newly diagnosed parent searching for reassurance, a healthcare professional seeking greater understanding, or a policymaker whose decisions can improve the lives of sickle cell families. I invite you to read Jasmine's story, but more importantly, please SHARE it. With a caregiver, a clinician, a community organization, or anyone who has the ability to influence change. You never know whose perspective it may shift or who may need to hear her words. To Jasmine, thank you for trusting us with your family's story. And to the Georgia SCDC team, thank you for recognizing the importance of bringing lived experiences alongside the data. Let's help this story travel far beyond the pages of this photoblog. ❤️ 📖 Read and share: https://mythreesicklers.org/caregiver-voices-stories-behind-the-data/ #SickleCellAwareness #CaregiverVoices #GeorgiaSCDC #DiagnosisIsNotADefinition