First U-M patient receives newly FDA-approved stem cell therapy for sickle cell anemia

Sickle cell disease affects about 100,000 people in the United States and millions worldwide.

It's a genetic condition that changes the shape of red blood cells from round and flexible to crescent shaped and rigid.

These sickle cells can get stuck in small blood vessels, leading to pain and a shortage of red blood cells, which results in anemia.

Elijah Dottery, now 10, was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia at birth.