Teagan’s Journey: Merging Fitness and Science to Transform Sickle Cell Care

This month, the Sickle Cell Task Force is proud to highlight Teagan, a Clinical Research Coordinator at Duke University, whose innovative work is helping redefine care and wellness for adults living with sickle cell disease. Working under Dr. Charity at Duke, Teagan brings a unique background that bridges both science and fitness. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Biology and spent ten years as a personal trainer and coach before entering clinical research.

At Duke, Teagan’s research focuses on aging in individuals over 40 with sickle cell disease (SCD). Studies have shown that people living with SCD often experience accelerated aging, performing physically as though they are 20 to 30 years older than their biological age. This accelerated decline can be observed through physical functions such as walking speed and through biological markers in the blood which are indicators associated with aging.

Recognizing this, Teagan and his team developed Sickle Fit, an innovative exercise intervention program designed specifically for older adults with sickle cell disease.

“It’s one thing to notice accelerated aging,” Teagan explained, “but the next question is, what are we going to do about it?”

Sickle Fit is a live, online group fitness program led by two experienced coaches who tailor each session to the unique needs of people living with SCD. The program provides not only structured exercise, but also community, motivation, and professional guidance from instructors who understand the condition deeply.

So far, 30 participants have completed the pilot phase of Sickle Fit, which focused on ensuring the program’s safety and feasibility for older adults. The team is now preparing to launch Phase 2, comparing the Sickle Fit program to standard care. Following this, the hope is to expand into a multi-site study that will allow patients to participate from institutions beyond Duke.

Although Sickle Fit is not yet open for public enrollment, the team envisions a future where it becomes part of standard clinical care, helping providers easily connect patients with trained instructors who understand their medical and physical needs.

This year marked his first time attending the Sickle Cell Walk, an event that further strengthened community ties and awareness around the research.

Looking ahead, Teagan hopes to expand Sickle Fit to cities that share Duke’s passion for patient-centered care. Seattle is at the top of the list.

“We think community is really important in developing these programs,” he said. “Seattle has a strong, engaged sickle cell community, and they’re committed to improving quality of life. That’s what Sickle Fit is all about.”

His long-term vision for Sickle Fit is global:

“Everyone should have access to high-quality coaching and physical therapy. Our dream is to make Sickle Fit a worldwide program where anyone with sickle cell disease can log in, connect with a coach who understands their condition, and work toward better health together.”

For Teagan, the most rewarding part of the project has been witnessing the sense of community and empowerment it brings to participants.

“Many participants told us they’d never been around peers with sickle cell before. Seeing them connect, support each other, and improve their movement and confidence, that’s been incredible.”

Of course, like many research initiatives, the biggest challenge remains funding.

“We’ve got a lot of people with good hearts and good plans,” Teagan admitted. “As long as we can keep finding grants and support within our networks, we’ll keep moving forward.”

Sickle Fit represents more than an exercise study, it’s a movement toward holistic, accessible care for the sickle cell community. Through science, fitness, and shared connection, Teagan and his team are working to close the gap in health and longevity for those living with sickle cell disease.