PARENTS OF THREE SIBLINGS WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE SPEAK OUT ABOUT IMPORTANCE OF BLOOD DONATIONS
September's National Sickle Cell Awareness Month Shows Need for Diverse Blood Donors
DOVER, DE - Christopher and April Hall of Dover say their family of ten "knows and lives the importance of blood donations."
Three of their eight children have sickle cell disease, a blood disorder that disfigures red cells and makes it difficult for them to pass through small blood vessels. In order to avoid life-threatening complications, two of their children have needed regular blood transfusions. Their 5-year-old son, Christopher, still goes to the hospital every month to receive blood.
"Christopher and my 3-year-old daughter, Zondra, proactively received blood transfusions to avoid serious problems," said April. "The red cells they received helped carry oxygen to every part of their bodies. Blood donors are keeping my children healthy, and I am very grateful."
Patients with sickle cell disease must receive blood that is closely matched to their own. The closest match for African American patients often comes from African-American donors. Most people who have the sickle cell trait do qualify as blood donors, since the genetic disease cannot be passed by blood transfusion.
SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL SICKLE CELL AWARENESS MONTH
September has been recognized as National Sickle Cell Awareness Month since 1975. Sickle cell disease affects about 70,000 Americans. About 90% are of African descent.
For more information about sickle cell disease, log on to www.sicklecelldisease.org. To make an appointment to donate blood, call 1 888 8-BLOOD-8 or visit www.delmarvablood.org.
