In honor of Sickle Cell Awareness Month, CBS 6 anchor GeNienne Samuels sat down with the Cypress family of Richmond: parents Brett and LaToya, and their twin sons Gabriel and Noah, to tell a story of pain, resilience and purpose. Diagnosed within a week of birth, the twins have used their journey to advocate for change.

Brett and LaToya met as undergraduates at Old Dominion University. When their sons arrived, they were thrilled but unaware of the road ahead.

"They were so beautiful. I was very thankful two precious baby boys who were so loved," LaToya said.

"It was just exciting, still not knowing what was going to come in the future for our sons," Brett added.

But that joy turned to concern within days. Doctors confirmed both Gabriel and Noah had sickle cell anemia.

Sickle cell is a

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