Brittany Hightower was a 22-year-old woman from Texas who had sickle cell anemia, a genetic blood disorder that causes red blood cells to become abnormally shaped and block blood flow. She was also a passionate advocate for the sickle cell community, having founded a non-profit organization called Slay the Sickle Cycle to raise awareness and support for the disease. She worked at the American Red Cross of Greater North Texas and participated in mental health live streams and forums for people with sickle cell anemia.

However, her life was cut short on January 1, 2023, after she was denied medical treatment at a hospital in Houston. Her family claims that she was a victim of medical negligence and racial discrimination, and that her death could have been prevented with timely and proper care. They are seeking justice for her death and accountability from the hospital.

How Brittany Hightower Was Refused Treatment at the Hospital

According to OkayBliss, Brittany Hightower had severe stomach issues on December 24, 2022, and was admitted to the John Peter Smith Hospital in Houston. She was put in an isolation ward due to the COVID-19 protocol, but instead of receiving medical attention, she was told to leave the hospital premises for “faking” her disease and was discharged for no reason. She pleaded with the staff but was refused treatment and the hospital police were called to remove her.

In a video shared on TikTok by Brittany’s family members, two police officers could be heard telling her that the staff “did not want her there” and to leave immediately. One officer said: “They don’t want to treat you right now, for whatever reason. That’s nothing I have to do with.” They later threatened to charge her with criminal trespassing and arrest her if she did not voluntarily leave the emergency room and suggested that she contact the higher authorities.

An evidently sick and distraught Brittany begged the police to let her stay, saying: “I don’t care why you are here; this is not good treatment. So, if they [the hospital] want me to leave, I want to file a police report of mistreatment because this is wrong… I am sick, I don’t need to leave. If I leave, I could possibly die. They are ignoring my complaints completely.”

Why Brittany Hightower Was Denied Treatment at the Hospital

The reason why the hospital refused to treat Brittany Hightower is unclear, but reports suggest that she had a previous altercation with a registered nurse (RN) who later refused to treat her. Apparently, the nurse had taken a disliking to her since then and did not believe that she was truly sick.

Brittany Hightower was subjected to verbal abuse by the staff and the police at the hospital despite her deteriorating health condition. Her family believes that the two parties deliberately denied helping her for racial and prejudicial causes. They allege that she was discriminated against because of her skin color and her disease.

What Happened to Brittany Hightower After She Left the Hospital

Brittany Hightower left the hospital on December 24, 2022, without receiving any medical care. She went back home and tried to manage her pain with over-the-counter medications. However, her condition worsened over time and she developed complications such as fever, vomiting, dehydration, and organ failure.

On January 1, 2023, she passed away from her illness. Her death came just weeks after her mother’s passing from COVID-19. Her family was devastated by the loss of both Brittany and her mother within a short span of time.

How Brittany Hightower’s Family Is Seeking Justice for Her Death

Brittany Hightower’s family is looking for accountability from the hospital for the events that transpired. They are likely to press legal charges against them for medical negligence and racial discrimination. They are also demanding an investigation into the hospital’s policies and practices regarding sickle cell patients.

Brittany Hightower’s family is also raising awareness about her story and the plight of sickle cell patients in general. They are using social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter to share their grief and anger, as well as their hope for justice. They are also receiving support from other sickle cell advocates and activists who are calling for change in the healthcare system.

Brittany Hightower’s story is a tragic example of how medical negligence and racial discrimination can cost lives. She was a young woman who had a bright future ahead of her, but she was denied the basic right to health care because of her disease and her skin color. Her death has sparked outrage and sadness among many people who are demanding justice for her and other sickle cell patients who face similar challenges.

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