Dakota has sickle cell anemia. Sickle cell anemia is a blood disorder that changes the shape of the red blood cells. Instead of being round and smooth, Dakotas blood cells could become shaped like crescents.

When this happened, it could cause terrible pain throughout her body and sometimes make her very tired or sick. There were days Dakota had to stay in the hospital while doctors and nurses helped her feel better.

Even though sickle cell was hard. Dakota tried her best to stay strong. Her mom always told her "Storms don't last forever. The sun always comes back out". Dakota remembered those words every time she felt scared or sad. 

One rainy afternoon, Dakota sat by her bedroom window watching dark clouds cover the sky. Her legs hurt badly that day, and she could not go outside to play with her friends. She felt upset and whispered, "Why do I have to go through this?"

Her mom walked into the room carrying Dakota's favorite blanket covered in little stars. She sat beside her and said "Because you are stronger than you think. Superheros go through battles too" 

Dakota smiled a little. “Do you really think I’m a superhero?”

“I know you are,” her mom replied.

That night, Dakota closed her eyes and imagined herself wearing a bright pink cape with shiny red boots. She pictured herself flying through giant storm clouds while lightning flashed around her. The storm was loud and scary, but Dakota kept moving forward bravely.