Zendaya E. | 2026 All-Star | Connecticut Children's Foundation

Showing Up Strong with Sickle Cell: Zendaya’s Story

When Zendaya was born on New Year’s Eve, her mother, Bridgette, already knew the halls of Connecticut Children’s well. Her older daughter, Zakiya, had been born with sickle cell disease and was a patient there. Zendaya’s blood was tested shortly after birth and the diagnosis confirmed a few days later—like her sister, she had sickle cell disease.

This time, Bridgette was ready.

I knew what to expect. I knew I had the resources at Connecticut Children’s to help and guide me.”
Bridgette, Zendaya's Mom

Struggles with pain management

Like many children with sickle cell disease, Zendaya experienced painful episodes when the sickle-shaped red blood cells clumped together and blocked blood flow in her body. Early on, she struggled to take pain medication orally, so her care team at Connecticut Children’s helped her find other ways to deal with the pain—including heating pads, rest, and guided imagery—so the medication could be used as a last resort. Child Life specialists helped ease difficult moments by keeping Zendaya distracted during frequent bloodwork.

Building trust and understanding

Bridgette credits Connecticut Children’s hematologist-oncologist Donna Boruchov MD, Medical Director, Pediatric Sickle Cell Program, for not just treating Zendaya’s condition, but helping her understand it, too. “She communicates with Zendaya directly. She involves her in her care,” said Bridgette.

The care team included her in everything. They took time. They had patience. They explained everything to her before doing anything.”
Bridgette, Zendaya's Mom

Over time, Zendaya has learned to recognize her symptoms and manage much of her care at home.

Ongoing care across specialties

In addition to appointments at the Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders, Zendaya sees specialists in Connecticut Children’s Pulmonology and Pain and Palliative Medicine divisions to manage her asthma and migraines. She also participates in a research study related to COVID recovery, which includes regular cardiac monitoring.

In her Renaissance girl era

It’s been nearly two years since her last hospitalization—which is a good thing, since Zendaya is one busy teenager. Today, she’s 13 and in her final year of middle school, where she is student council president and participates in the theater and sewing clubs.

She plays the piano and is teaching herself how to play the electric guitar. She also loves math and ancient history and dreams of a career in historical preservation architecture.

Helping other patients with sickle cell

Zendaya comes from a family deeply rooted in healthcare and service. Bridgette is a respiratory therapist and Zakiya is a nurse, so it’s no surprise that Zendaya finds the time to give back in meaningful ways. She participates in fundraising events like Quinnipiac University’s QTHON dance marathon and is a member of the sickle cell family advisory board, along with her mother. “She’s smart above her years,” Bridgette said. “She may be 13, but she’s more like 30.”