SICKLE CELL DISEASE

FLINT, MI - Sickle Cell Disease is an illness which affects more than 100,000 people in the U.S. and 20 million people worldwide – most of whom are of African descent. The blood drive is part of the Red Cross’ Sickle Cell Initiative launched in 2021 to increase the number of Black blood donors and boost access to matching blood products for Sickle Cell Disease patients. Blood donors who are Black are almost three times more likely to be a match for the blood most needed, according to an American Red Cross news release. Live-saving blood transfusions increase the number of normal red blood cells in the body and help to boost blood flow to the rest of the body. To schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

For some of the most vulnerable young patients, just getting to the hospital for care is a major challenge. MiCaringHeart is a 501(c)(3) that collects money to provide cab vouchers for children with sickle cell disease

Blood donations are always necessary, but September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. The Red Cross has issued a specific plea to the African American community to step up and donate.

BELLEVILLE, Mich. – One Metro Detroit family is celebrating a clean bill of health for their 11-year-old son who has battled sickle cell disease since birth. The journey for 11-year-old Jackson Walker has been difficult one, being diagnosed with sickle cell disease when he was born. “We have been going in and out of the hospital with him,” said Esther Walker, Jackson’s mother. “On Nov. 15, Jackson actually had the bone marrow transplant done to get cured of sickle cell,” Esther Walker said. I feel great.”Though the Walker family could not be happier about their son’s progress, the family now continues their battle financially.