By: Arvin Ram

As we continue on into the school year, our team wanted to spread awareness about a concerning disease affecting millions of people worldwide known as Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder where a person’s red blood cells become shaped like sickles or crescents instead of round. These sickle-shaped cells can’t carry oxygen as well, and they can get stuck in blood vessels, causing pain, infections, and organ problems. It’s a lifelong condition that people are born with, and it happens when they inherit the sickle cell gene from both parents.

Sickle cell disease affects more than 100,000 people in the United States and 8 million people worldwide. In the United States, more than 90% of people who have sickle cell disease are non-Hispanic Black or African American, and an estimated 3%-9% are Hispanic or Latino. About 1 in 13 Black babies are born with sickle cell trait, meaning that they inherited a sickle cell gene from one parent. About 1 in every 365 Black babies are born with sickle cell disease, meaning they inherited a sickle cell gene from each parent.

Our goal is to help find a cure for sickle cell disease and spread awareness about it. We want to educate people, support research, and raise funds to improve the lives of those affected. Through community efforts and advocacy, we hope to bring more attention to sickle cell disease and move closer to a cure.

You can help by learning about sickle cell disease and sharing information with others. Donate to organizations that fund research and support patients. Participate in awareness events, fundraisers, or blood drives. You can also advocate for better healthcare and support for people living with sickle cell disease. Every action will help!

To stay up to date on future events we plan on hosting, or to learn more about SCD and what we do, follow our instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/awareness4sicklecell26?igsh=MWZvcG13aHlqb295YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr