For Brittany and Dominique Gaddy, parenting comes with constant vigilance. Their two oldest children, Destinee (13) and Dominique Jr. (6), both live with sickle cell disease—a diagnosis they discovered during pregnancy. Neither parent knew they carried the trait until Destinee was born.
Since then, life has been a continuous learning journey. Sickle cell crises can be triggered by temperature changes, illness, stress, or seemingly nothing at all. One day can feel perfectly normal; the next can bring intense pain, hospital visits, or serious complications. Recently, Destinee experienced a small stroke an alarming reminder of how unpredictable the disease can be.
Yet the Gaddy family refuses to let sickle cell define their children. Destinee and Dominique play flag football alongside their younger brother Devon. They attend school, go to camp, and participate in activities like any other kids. “We don’t treat them like they’re sick,” Brittany says. “We treat them like they’re normal.”
Clement’s Kindness has become a growing part of their support system. From special events at the baseball stadium to Camp Courage, their children have experienced the joy of being celebrated—not for their illness, but for who they are. Camp, in particular, left a lasting impression. When it was time to come home, both children cried because they didn’t want to leave.
The organization has also provided reassurance and resources during hospitalizations, reminding the Gaddys that they are not navigating this journey alone.
Through every crisis and every celebration, Brittany and Dominique remain grounded in gratitude. Their children are strong, joyful, and determined—and their family faces each new day together.
