Patricia McGill, one of the nation’s oldest living individuals with sickle cell disease, recently celebrated her 80th birthday, defying the life expectancy of 52 years typically associated with the condition.
McGill, who was diagnosed with sickle cell disease at 13, never imagined she would live past 30.
Yet, decades later, she marked the milestone birthday with 125 friends and family members, using the event to raise $16,000 for the Sickle Cell Association of Texas Marc Thomas Foundation.
Defying Medical Expectations
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, McGill struggled with mysterious illnesses throughout childhood before doctors diagnosed her with sickle cell disease.
The disorder, which disproportionately affects Black Americans, causes misshapen red blood cells that block blood flow, leading to painful crises, organ damage, and other complications.
“When I was diagnosed in 1957, sickle cell disease wasn’t well known, and people knew very little about it,” McGill told NBC News.
At the time, life expectancy was under 20 years, according to Public Health Reports. Despite these odds, McGill chose to live boldly, enrolling in Hampton University in 1963 to study elementary and special education—1,300 miles from home.
“I decided that if I might only live to about 30, I would do everything I wanted to do,” she said.
She went on to become a teacher and a mother of three, teaching students with learning disabilities for 37 years.
Navigating Health Challenges and Advocacy
Over the years, McGill has balanced treatments like pain management, blood transfusions, and fluid therapy. She also lives with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congestive heart failure, and pulmonary hypertension, requiring 24/7 oxygen support.
Despite these challenges, she credits her faith, proper hydration, and nutrition for her longevity.
“My favorite Bible verse, Romans 8:28, reminds me that all things work together for good,” she said.
McGill has also been a vocal advocate for equitable healthcare, especially for Black patients.
“My point is speaking in a way that makes me the authority, which I am,” she said. “I’m the authority on this body.”
New Hope for Sickle Cell Patients
In 2024, the FDA approved two new gene-editing treatments for sickle cell disease, offering hope to future generations. However, the treatments cost between $2 million and $3 million, making accessibility a major concern.
Dr. KiTani P. Lemieux, an associate professor at Xavier University of Louisiana, emphasized the need for affordable treatments.
McGill remains hopeful about scientific advancements, sharing the story of a 5-year-old girl with sickle cell disease who recently went into remission after receiving a stem cell transplant from her sibling’s placenta.
“I’m excited about the progress being made,” McGill said. “It gives me hope for future generations.”
