Advance notice of a study aimed at understanding the significance of having sickle cell anemia for children 3 to 12 years old. It is a qualitative research grounded in Symbolic Interactionism as a theoretical perspective, and in Grounded Theory as a research method. The data have been collected through interview with the children by using therapeutic play sessions. Preliminary analysis of data has allowed us to understand that having sickle cell anemia is a sad experience for the children, because that more than to be permeated by pain, the child realize they are powerless in relation to the suffering; they recognize its symptoms, understand the need for treatment, and consider them only as palliative. The children also consider their family as an important support, and have the hospital as reference.
Play and playthings; Child; Anemia, sickle cell; Pediatric nursing