The Sickle Cell Association is a nonprofit community based organization which operates for the purpose of supporting those living with sickle cell disease and to educate the community about the disease. Organized in November 2011, it serves to bridge the gap between the medical community and the general public. Sickle Cell Association hosted its first Sickle Cell Stroll in July 2012 which resulted in individuals added to the bone marrow registry, over 40 individuals tested and educated about sickle cell trait, and information was also provided on blood donation.
Since its inception, Sickle Cell Association has established a monthly sickle cell support group to serve as an opportunity to educate and provide social interactions with like minded individuals. In a collaborative effort, hosted the Midwest Sickle Cell Educational Symposium with hopes of making it an annual educational event. The organization continues to expand it programs and services.
What is Sickle Cell?
Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited, chronic blood disorder that affects approximately 100,000 Americans. Normal red blood cells are round like doughnuts, and are able to move through blood vessels in the body to deliver oxygen. Sickled red blood cells are hard, sticky and crescent shaped . When these irregular red cells go through the small blood vessels, they stick together and clog the flow of blood and oxygen. This can cause pain, damage and a low blood count, or anemia. Sickle Cell Disease is inherited from both parents who may be carriers of the sickle cell trait or have sickle cell disease. You cannot catch it. A person is born with the sickle cell hemoglobin and it is present for life.
Sickle Cell Disease is found in many nationalities including African Americans, Arabs, Greeks, Italians, Latin Americans, and those from India. You can be Caucasian and have Sickle Cell Disease or Trait. All races should be screened for this hemoglobin at birth. Your doctor can do a simple blood test called hemoglobin electrophoresis. This test will tell if you have the disease.