September's National Sickle Cell Awareness Month Shows Need for Diverse Blood Donors
WILMINGTON, DE - At just two-months-old, Ke'Asia M. of Wilmington, Delaware was diagnosed with sickle cell disease. This disease is an inherited blood disorder that disfigures red blood cells, making it difficult for them to pass through small blood vessels. In order to avoid life-threatening complications, Ke'Asia, now 5, needs blood transfusions every three weeks - for the rest of her life.
"We have a lot of family support, but unfortunately that's not enough to keep my daughter healthy," Ke'Asia's mother, Chanta, said. "Blood donors in this area help keep her alive."
Listen to her 60 second radio commercial on WSTW!
SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL SICKLE CELL AWARENESS MONTH:
September has been recognized as National Sickle Cell Awareness Month since 1975. Sickle cell disease affects 70,000 Americans. 90% are of African descent.
Those with sickle cell disease must receive blood that is closely matched to their own. The best match often comes from African-American donors. Most people with the sickle cell trait qualify as blood donors.
For more information about sickle cell disease, click HERE. To make an appointment to donate blood and help save patients like Ke'Asia, call 1 888 8-BLOOD-8 or click HERE.
