“He is out of school a lot because of his pain. I know his triggers, like cold weather. Chicago here is terrible for him. Rain kind of sets off some things sometimes, but I know cold weather is definitely a set off. I know for him it’s cold weather, like anything cold. Like swimming in a cold pool is a definite no-no. As long as it’s hot outside and he can warm up fast, swimming is fine. But if you get out of a cold pool, and you’re in cold water, and you get out and the wind is blowing, you’re cold.” – Shakara, mother of a 15 year old w/SCD