Blood donations essential for sickle cell patients

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Blood donations provide vital support for many patients, especially for those living with sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell is an inherited blood disorder that affects the shape and function of red blood cells. Instead of moving smoothly through the body, the cells can become rigid and sickle-shaped, blocking blood flow and causing severe pain, organ damage, and other complications.

Faith Adjei-Sarpong is an advocate for sickle cell disease. She was also born with the condition.

"I tell people sickle cell disease feels like glass running through your veins," Adjei-Sarpong shared. "You can feel it in your joints, all of your bones, your back, everywhere."

Patients rely on regular blood transfusions to help manage the disease and prevent life-threatening issues like strokes.

Adjei-Sarpong goes through blood transfusions every three months. "Without transfusions, it's the worst feeling ever because I am unproductive, I'm in bed all day, and I just can't get up. I can't physically move without being picked up."

Dr. Titilope Fasipe was also born with the condition. She is the Co-Director of the Sickle Cell Program at Texas Children's Hospital. She told us the disorder is considered rare in the United States, affecting fewer than 200,000 people nationwide.

"It is true that you will see people with sickle cell disease tend to be from African ancestry, but I tell people that any ancestry or any ethnicities can be impacted," Dr. Fasipe said.

In the video above, Adjei-Sarpong and Dr. Fasipe discuss their journeys with sickle cell disease and share how they are working to encourage others living with the condition.

Your blood donation can be lifesaving for those battling sickle cell disease. Eyewitness News is again partnering with Gulf Coast Blood for our annual blood drive in honor of the center's mission to meet local demand, which takes about 1,000 blood donations per day.

The ABC13 Blood Drive is Thursday, March 5, from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Where: ABC13 Studios, 3310 Bissonnet St., Houston, TX 77005

Sign up now to schedule your donation appointment at ABC13 by following this link.

All successful donors will receive a Gulf Coast Blood power bank changer, a free A1C screening to help measure blood sugar levels, and one general admission ticket to Big Rivers Waterpark.