This is the second of a three-part virtual series, featuring a fireside chat with two inspiring children’s books authors shining a light on Sickle Cell Disease in the lives of adults. Kim Smith-Whitley, MD will lead the discussion with authors Dima Hendricks and Juanita McClain, who give us two unique adult books that every adult with SCD needs on their shelves. They will tell you about their reason for writing their respective books and their process for taking it from idea to execution. The theme of our fireside chat is Helping Adults Live Their Best Life!
Meet our Physician Specialist | Moderator
Kim Smith-Whitley, MD – ksmithwhitley@gbt.com
She is Director of the Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, Clinical Director of the Division of Hematology, and a professor of Pediatrics. She holds the Elias Schwartz, MD, Endowed Chair in Hematology. Her clinical and research focus is on sickle cell survivorship: predicting and preventing long-term, chronic, and life-threatening complications of the disease.
Meet our Authors
Dima Hendricks – dimahendricks@gmail.com
Sickle cell survivor and a child witness to domestic violence, Dima Hendricks is now an advocate and a true ambassador of change. In her role, she has facilitated health workshops and participated in panel discussions. Dima has served in various professional capacities at Wego Health, The American Heart and Stroke Association, and was a former board member of the Greater Boston Sickle Cell Association. She has also been featured in various media outlets and is the host of Public Praise T.V.
Dima also has an extensive pageant resume. She won the title of Miss Black Dorchester USA, Miss Black Massachusetts USA , and Mrs. Massachusetts International. Dima also served as a pageant director, coach, and judge for over a decade.
You can purchase her book on Amazon or Barnes & Noble
Juanita McClain – juanitasicklecellawareness@gmail.com
My name is Juanita McClain, I am a mother, teacher, author, and advocate. I was born and raised in Buffalo NY. I was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease SS before the age of 1 year old and since have been constantly fighting the disease my entire life. As an adult, I began to educate myself and learn more about the Disease which has helped me manage my health a lot better. For the past 4 years, I have been on a journey to advocate for the Sickle Cell Disease community by sharing my experiences with others through my writing and bringing education and awareness to local communities.
You can purchase her book HERE.
