Sickle Cell Disease affects millions of people worldwide and is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States affecting 70,000 to 80,000 Americans. Alarmingly, 1 in every 500 African-Americans are born with sickle cell disease. With such an alarming statistic, it is important to be aware of the disease and its symptoms.
Sickle Cell Disease is a disorder that affects hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that delivers oxygen to cells throughout the body. With this disorder, people have abnormal hemoglobin molecules which distort red blood cells into a sickle shape. Symptoms of sickle cell disease vary from person to person. Although the presence of the disease is often caught at a young age, some people have very mild symptoms that go unnoticed.
If you feel as though you or a loved one might be experiencing one or more of the symptoms of sickle cell disease come into our office for a sickle cell screen, especially if you are an athlete with an upcoming season. Symptoms of the disorder can become severe and lead to hospitalization and even death. As the most common blood disorder, it is important to get tested and know for sure.
The only known cure for sickle cell disease is a bone marrow transplant. These transplants are reliant on individual donations.
“Tiffany needed a transplant to beat sickle cell. After a two- year search, she found a donor and her life was saved!”
Many stories like Tiffany’s are found thanks to the donation of bone marrow from individuals.Want to help the cause and donate? At Any Lab Test Now, we have a partnership with Delete Blood Cancer. Donating bone marrow has become easier than ever with Delete Blood Cancer and similar organizations. Take a look at how simple it can be and find a location here.
