ANOTHER BATTLE FOR FORD C. HALL GUARD HAS SICKLE-CELL DISEASE.

Byline: SEAN CEGLINSKY

Special to the Daily News

Robert Ford has faced numerous obstacles on the basketball court over the years, but those challenges pale in comparison to his battle with sickle-cell disease that's proving to be the toughest test of all.

The condition, categorized as hemoglobin ss, limits the flow of oxygen to the limbs and organs, often resulting in painful episodes that have sidelined him for weeks at a time since he was first diagnosed as a youngster.

Through it all, the Campbell Hall senior point guard has been resilient, persevering through the ups and downs with the help of family and friends as the Vikings of North Hollywood (32-1) head into today's Div. IV state title game against Cardinal Newman of Santa Rosa (28-7) at Arco Arena in Sacramento.

Tipoff is set for 11:15 a.m.

"When I first learned what sickle cell was I was scared. But everything happens for a reason" Ford said. "I've try to make the best out every situation and not let things get me down.

"Some people might think that they can't do what they want if they have this disease. But hopefully, if they see what that I've been able to overcome, it might just give them a spark, some hope."

Ford has dealt with his share of setbacks during his four-year varsity career. However, his desire to lead a normal life has been a constant.

"The things Robert has been able to do have been an inspiration," said his father, Joe. "He never complains about the cards he's been dealt. Honestly, things could have been much worse.

"He's accepted things as they've come and remained positive. He's not the type of guy to give up. Not Robert. His heart is too big for that. He's been blessed."

Life was particularly difficult for from the ages of six to 13.

Complications and visits to the City of Hope Hospital in Duarte were frequent, sometimes on four or five different occasions over the course of a year.

"We didn't know if he was going to come home with us sometimes," his mother, Lerna, said. "That was terrifying for us as parents. We felt helpless at times.

"But Robert is strong. He's invincible. He's taught us how precious our time together truly is."

His condition has been neutralized, to some extent, with medication, and he hasn't had a major crisis in more than two years. However, risks still remain.

"Robert has always been very active in sports and that's been a point of concern," said Dr. Nadia Ewing, Ford's physician. "He hasn't let his condition get in the way of what he wants to do. I admire him for that.

"We emphasize the importance of education in situations like this and Robert knows plenty about sickle cell disease, more than the average physician, in fact."

One of his worst episodes unfolded during the end of his sophomore season.

Campbell Hall was about to board an airplane bound for Sacramento, the site of Div. IV state title game, when Ford began bleeding profusely from his nose. Luckily, the coaching staff had team trainer Germaine Jackson DeCree on hand, fully prepared to deal with the situation.

Older brother Joe ended up guiding the 2004-2005 team to the championship a day later, culminating an undefeated season (32-0), and Robert contributed in the 74-53 victory over St. Mary's of Albany before the celebration ensued at midcourt.

"Obviously, we have to keep an eye on Robert and we've developed signals over the years so I have a better understanding of how he's feeling," Jackson DeCree said. "He's very mature for his age and knows what he can and can't do.

"It's funny, we joke around sometimes that he's a young man with aches and pains of an old man but you'd never know by the way he handles himself. He's really an incredible individual. A role model.

"I mean, here's a kid with limitations, far more than the average person, and he takes everything in stride so very well. The courage it takes to work as hard as he does is amazing. He never uses his condition as an excuse when he can. "

The 6-foot-1 Ford averages 10.7points, four assists, less than two turnovers and 2.1 steals per game and has helped guide the Vikings, ranked No. 3 in the state by Cal- Hi Sports and No. 17 in the country by USA Today, into the national spotlight.

He was instrumental in a 61-57 overtime victory over La Canada in the Southern Section Div. III-AA title game and a big contributor in a three- point win against Horizon of San Diego in the Southern California Div. IV regional final.

"We weren't quite sure what to do when we found out about the disease. We feared the worst," father Joe Ford said. "The doctors told us that Robert couldn't play basketball but we left it up to him.

"He's refused to let sickle-cell (disease) limit him, or stop him from accomplishing his goals. He's a fighter. He's made us so proud."

Ford hasn't received much recruiting interest from prospective Division I scouts thus far, but hopes to continue playing the sport he calls "a release" somewhere at some point in the future.

One thing is certain, Ford leaves behind a legacy at Campbell Hall -- both on and off the courtl.

"You know, Robert and didn't have to come forward and share his story. It takes a big person to do that," Vikings coach Terry Kelly said. "He wants people to understand the progress that's being made with this disease.

"You can't help but be inspired by someone like him especially on those days when you feel bad about yourself. He goes out and gives everything he can in every facet of his life."

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2 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) Campbell Hall senior Robert Ford is averaging 10.7 points and four assists.

(2) "He's a fighter; he's made us so proud," says Joe Ford, left, who with wife, Lerna, stand with their son Robert at the Campbell Hall campus.

Tom Mendoza/Staff Photographer