SAGINAW, Mich. (WNEM) – At just 10 years old, Elijah Dottery has already faced more challenges than most people will in a lifetime. The Saginaw native has battled sickle cell anemia since birth, enduring repeated hospital stays, painful treatments and long stretches away from home, all while showing resilience well beyond his years.
That strength was recently recognized on one of the NFL’s biggest stages.
Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson honored Elijah as one of his House of Hutch Heroes during last week’s Lions-Steelers game. Hutchinson walked into the game carrying a water jug marked with Elijah’s personal mantra: “Faith over Sickle.”
Elijah has spent more than 100 days in the hospital throughout his young life as he continues treatment for sickle cell anemia, a genetic blood disorder that disproportionately affects Black and Brown communities and often goes underrecognized.
“We know about cancer; we know about other different blood conditions, but not necessarily sickle cell,” said Elijah’s mother, Rasheka Williams. “Just know that there is a community out here.”
This summer marked a major milestone in Elijah’s journey. He underwent a bone marrow transplant; a procedure doctors say has helped eliminate the effects of sickle cell disease. While his fight continues, his family says Elijah’s faith and determination have carried them through the most difficult moments.
“You have little hurdles you have to overcome,” Williams said. “We call this our journey, right? God always gives us a journey.”
Elijah is now receiving a newly FDA-approved stem cell therapy, becoming the first child at the University of Michigan to receive the treatment. His family hopes his story helps raise awareness about sickle cell anemia and the need for greater education, resources and support for families facing the disease.
Despite the challenges, Elijah remains focused on what matters most to him returning to school, seeing his friends and enjoying the things he loves, including basketball, bike rides and watching Stranger Things.
Meeting Hutchinson was a highlight in the middle of a long hospital stay.
“It was good meeting Aidan,” Elijah said. “The doctors came in and said, do you want to meet him, I said yeah because that’s my mom’s favorite football player.”
William says sharing Elijah’s story is about more than recognition; it’s about helping other families feel seen.
“We’re a resource too,” Williams said. “Understand your resources and your community and how they can help you through it.”
Elijah’s family has set up a GoFundMe to help cover ongoing medical and living expenses as his treatment continues. If you would like to donate to Elijah’s journey, click here.
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