Sick Cells had the opportunity to sit down with Dennis McCullen to share memories of his friend George Gaddy. This conversation is part of Remembrance Week, a time dedicated to honoring the sickle cell warriors who have passed away and sharing stories to keep their memories alive.
Sick Cells: How are you today?
Dennis: I’m doing well, thank you.
Sick Cells: How did you and George meet?
Dennis: We met when we were younger, either at a support group or summer camp. We were both counselors back in the ’80s and became close. I used to pick him up and keep an eye on him. Our friendship really solidified when we started hanging out more at the UIC support group meetings.
Sick Cells: Can you share a favorite memory about George?
Dennis: One time, we were shopping at Costco, and George picked up this huge red velvet cake. I asked him who it was for, and he said, “me, I’m gonna eat it all.” It was massive, around 15 inches in diameter. The next time I saw him, he told me he had finished it all, which was surprising for such a skinny guy. I joked that I’d have to stop taking him to Costco. We had many fun times together at camp as well, where I often drove him around. On those rides, we talked a lot about his struggles and how his family didn’t really understand his condition.
Sick Cells: Are there any particular moments or experiences you find yourself reflecting on?
Dennis: George was happiest around other people with sickle cell. He really enjoyed events like the annual bowling party and support group meetings. Seeing him light up at these gatherings was special, although the ride home was often tough because he was going back into his isolation. I always made sure to include him, even when I was running late, because those moments of connection were so important to him.
Sick Cells: Are there any organizations or causes related to sickle cell disease that were important to your friend? Or that you support?
Dennis: George loved support groups and summer camps. Being around people who understood him was a big deal for him. Those experiences lifted him out of his slump and brought him a lot of joy.
Sick Cells: What kind of support or comfort has been helpful for you during this time?
Dennis: I deal with a lot of survivor’s remorse. I’ve been to around 20 funerals, and it takes a toll. But I keep going because of my brother, Otha, who passed away from complications related to sickle cell when we were very young. That loss has kept me in the fight, even when it gets tough.
Sick Cells: How do you honor your friend’s memory?
Dennis: I have a lot of pictures of George that I look through regularly. SCDAI and UIC support groups also hold memorials, usually in September, where they honor those who have passed in the last five years. They ring a bell, say the names, and have a moment of silence.
Sick Cells: You sent us some pictures of you and George. Can you tell us about the one where George is in the yellow Hawaiian shirt?
Dennis: That was from a luau we organized to bring everyone together during the summer. We did the limbo, ate Hawaiian food, and had a great turnout. We’ve also held proms for sickle cell patients who didn’t get to go to prom in high school, giving them a chance to experience those missed moments.
Sick Cells: What gives you hope?
Dennis: My mom, who is 91 and still very active. Longevity runs in our family, and that keeps me going. I also give back by making phone calls to people with sickle cell who are struggling, asking about their barriers to care, and offering support.
Sick Cells: Thank you, Dennis, for talking with us and sharing those memories of George Gaddy. Though he may have transitioned from this earth, he remains in our spirits.