Written by Elvelyna Beaubrun

Elvelyna B. Beaubrun, a champion, fighter, achiever, author, writer, public speaker gold medalist, International Havertown Optimist Club scholarship recipient, Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society member, former student on the dean’s and president’s list at Delaware County Community College, and current nursing student attending Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions and a member of the Student Nurses Association of Pennsylvania (SNAP) and (SAS) Scholars of Academic Success, publishes her first personal memoir entitled “The Girl with the Lion Heart.” In her memoir, Elvelyna, age 22, diagnosed with sickle cell anemia (SS) as a baby shares her life story of overcoming her obstacle, sickle cell anemia and her success beyond measures. Throughout her journey with her illness, Elvelyna has exceeded beyond expectations and has always managed to keep her dreams, goals, and aspirations in sight. She hopes to share this incredible story with other patients suffering with sickle cell anemia and other debilitating illnesses as an inspiration to continue to aim high and never lose hope. While pursuing a degree in her passion, nursing, Elvelyna seeks in making a difference and touching the lives of others just as many nurses have touched and impacted her life. In an interview with NBC 10 News, Elvelyna shares her experience dealing with sickle cell anemia and interest in upcoming research that may benefit the lives of people suffering with sickle cell anemia. She said, “It’s important that people really see what we go through and understand that it’s painful. The pain is agonizing. It’s unbearable.”