Home   About Us   Divisions   Ask a Med-U-Nurse   Health Library   Find a Doctor   For Physicians   Job Opportunities   Make a Difference   News & Events    News Room    Kids Connection Newsletter    Support Groups    Special Events    Parenting Newsletter    Parenting Classes    Community Classes    Grand Rounds Schedule   Research   Residents & Fellows   Your Hospital Visit 171 Ashley Ave. Charleston, SC 29425 843-792-1414		Print Version June 2008 The MUSC community was deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of Christina Akabidavis and one of her twin daughters, Marcushire ("Cushire") and thankful for the survival of Maurishire ("Rishire"). We celebrated their lives at their memorial service on Friday, May 16, 2008 and we acknowledged how they touched the lives of everyone who knew them. I met this remarkable family when they moved to Charleston about eight years ago. Shortly after arriving the twins became ill with a sickle cell pain episode and required hospitalization and medical treatment at the Children's Hospital. This was my first opportunity to meet Christina and her feisty personality. It was apparent she was very knowledgeable about sickle cell disease and that she was an advocate for her children's health care. I soon learned Christina cared about all families and children with sickle cell disease and she worked tirelessly on the MUSC campus and in the Charleston community to raise awareness. She served on the Children's Hospital Family Advocacy Committee; she organized support groups for parents of children with sickle cell disease; and she participated in fundraising events sponsored by MUSC to support research. I have fond memories of being interviewed on the Children's Miracle Network Telethon and listening to Cushire and Rishire share their experiences of living with sickle cell disease. Although the twins experienced illness from time to time, Christina always encouraged her daughters to set goals in life and to achieve those goals through hard work and positive attitudes. Both Cushire and Rishire were honor students at Porter-Gaud where they excelled in academics and sports, and they were compassionate about community service. Christina practiced what she preached in that she made her feelings known about every situation. She showed her love for everyone in the form of acts of kindness. I was surprised to receive a Mother's Day card from Christina just two days before she died. She wrote a beautiful message inside the card, thanking me for taking care of her "babies", and all the children with sickle cell disease. I didn't realize that I wouldn't have a chance to thank Christina for her kindness and generosity. There is an old expression that says, "It's not how long we live that really matters, but rather, how well we live". Christina and Cushire lived well and they brought joy to the MUSC family. We are all better people for having known Christina and Cushire... truly remarkable friends. Sherron Jackson, MD Associate Professor, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Director of Pediatric Sickle Cell Clinic
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