An Invisible Disease: Sickle Cell Doesn't Stop Justus

Children’s Hospital Association and Team IMPACT are changing the lives of children with sickle cell disease (SCD).

One of those children is Justus, an 8-year-old from Norristown, Pennsylvania, who lives with SCD and receives treatment at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. In 2023, Justus was officially drafted by the University of Pennsylvania men’s basketball team, a program with deep ties to Team IMPACT.

Justus stands with members of the University of Pennsylvania men's basketball team. Photo courtesy of Team IMPACT.

From the moment he joined, Justus became part of the Quakers family — cheering at games, practicing alongside his teammates, and bringing his infectious energy to the court.

Living with SCD is all Justus knows. He receives frequent blood transfusions and takes daily medications to help manage the disease. But living with the disease can be unpredictable.

Justus’ mom, Jessica, said SCD can affect the body at any time, and crises can last for hours if not treated right away. “It takes a toll mentally as well and stops you from doing everyday normal things,” she said.

Because SCD is an invisible disease, it is often hard to understand the pain someone living with it may experience daily. Justus tries to not let his SCD stop him from doing the things he loves.

“I want people to know that you can feel pain on the inside, but you cannot see it on the outside,” he said.

And one of the things Justus loves is the Penn men’s basketball team.

In 2024, Justus celebrated his signing day in a way that was uniquely fitting: surrounded by teammates and family at Team IMPACT’s All In 5K in Philadelphia. It was a day that not only recognized his official place on the team, but also showcased the spirit of inclusion, resilience, and support that defines Team IMPACT and the community built through the program.

Though Justus has graduated from the program, his bond with Penn basketball — and with Team IMPACT — will last a lifetime. His story embodies why our partnership with Team IMPACT matters so deeply: Together, we create a network of care that extends beyond the hospital, ensuring children like Justus are supported beyond hospital walls.

On Oct. 19, Team IMPACT will have their annual All In 5K, celebrating the courage of Justus and so many others.

You can participate in the 5K as a virtual participant or join community members in-person at one of Team IMPACT’s hub locations in Philadelphia, Chicago, Dallas, Providence, and Indianapolis.

Learn more at teamimpact.org/allin5k.