Sickle Cell Anemia refers to a group of disorders that affect red blood cells and affects predominantly people from the African Diaspora.

Normally, red blood cells move easily through the body because they are smooth, soft and round.

Sickle Cell disease makes red blood cells become hard, sticky, shaped like crescents or ‘sickles’.

These changes cause numerous medical problems, such as infections, anemia, organ damage, pain, complications during pregnancy, leg ulcers, jaundice and many others. Overall, the patient experiences intense pain and conditions which can lead to death.

Sickle Cell Trait is a condition where a person inherits an abnormal gene from one parent and a normal gene from the other parent resulting in that person becoming a carrier. Generally, people with the trait do not have symptoms and may not know that they are a carrier.

FACTS

• Sickle Cell Trait does not develop into the disease.
• Many people with Sickle Cell Disease live long and productive lives – effective medical treatment is available.
• Sickle Cell Disease affects only the body. It does not affect the mind.
• Sickle Cell is not unique to any one group. It is most common among people from the African Diaspora, but people of ethnic groups such as Greek, Western Asian and Hispanic ancestry, are susceptible to it.
• Sickle Cell Disease is inherited. It is a genetic disease passed from the parents to the child.
• Sickle Cell Disease affects not only the those who suffer with the illness but also family and friends. Those who care for a loved one afflicted by the condition are especially affected.
• Sickle Cell Disease is not contagious.

For more information about donating check out your local office.

UK : http://www.sicklecellsociety.org/

USA : http://www.ascaa.org/

http://www.sicklecelldisease.org/