DeAndra Smith is redefining what it means to turn pain into purpose. As an emerging markets manager at the American Red Cross, she's not solely changing lives by recruiting blood donors – she's revolutionizing how communities advocate to improve the healthcare of patients. Diagnosed with sickle cell disease at age two, DeAndra has transformed her story into a powerful two-decade mission of awareness, breaking down barriers and building bridges of understanding and support.
"In the future I will become, until then I must overcome," declares DeAndra – words that have carried her through numerous challenges. From partial blindness to multiple surgeries and hospitalizations, she's faced each trial with the kind of grace and determination that's characteristic of her resilience. As a self-published author and fierce advocate, she's creating spaces where authentic conversations about sickle cell disease can flourish, challenging outdated perspectives and championing new narratives of engagement and empowerment.
In this candid Q&A, the American Red Cross sits down with this change maker who's evolving her lived experience into a movement that's revolutionizing how communities view sickle cell disease, blood transfusion, and healthcare advocacy.
Red Cross: Your impact includes personal advocacy and community awareness. What's a day in the life of DeAndra Smith – how do you typically start your day?
DeAndra Smith: I always start my day by reading my daily verse on my Bible app. It centers me and helps me prepare for whatever challenges might come my way.
Red Cross: You have to balance being both a sickle cell warrior and an advocate. What is one thing you do every day that keeps you centered?
DeAndra Smith: I make sure to talk to someone in my family every single day. My support system is crucial to my journey, and those daily connections keep me grounded.
Red Cross: What do you wish more people knew about patients with sickle cell disease?
DeAndra Smith: We are not complainers. If you truly knew how it felt to experience some type of pain on a daily basis, you would give us more grace.
Red Cross: Your advocacy has inspired many in the sickle cell community. Who has been your biggest source of inspiration?
DeAndra Smith: God is my biggest source of inspiration. My faith has carried me through the toughest battles with this disease and continues to give me strength.
Red Cross: You've turned challenges into triumphs throughout your journey. What's something that challenges you but brings you joy?
DeAndra Smith: Sharing my story is both difficult and rewarding. It's challenging because I think of all the warriors who have passed away, especially when I coordinate an in memory of blood drive. I want to make sure I honor them and the sickle cell community. While I love educating others about sickle cell, it becomes emotional when someone tells me they "knew" someone with my disease or asks about my life expectancy.
Red Cross: Your advocacy work can be emotionally demanding. How does music help you, and who are your go-to artists?
DeAndra Smith: Lately, Jasmine Sullivan has been in heavy rotation, but Erykah Badu is always in the mix. Their music helps me process emotions and find strength on tough days.
Red Cross: You’ve managed multiple health challenges while maintaining your incredible advocacy work. How do you stay positive?
DeAndra Smith: I stay positive by giving myself grace when I'm not feeling my best. I've learned it's okay to get down sometimes as long as I don't stay down. Prayer and being surrounded by my support network keep me positive. And my cat helps too – he'll literally bite me if I cry too long or too loud!
Red Cross: How does being vulnerable help you connect with community?
DeAndra Smith: I'm very sensitive and emotional - people might not expect that from someone who appears so strong in their advocacy work. But this sensitivity helps me truly understand and feel each warrior's journey. It's what makes me authentic in this work and helps me build real connections in our community.
Red Cross: You're transforming both patient care and community understanding. What do you most want to be known for?
DeAndra Smith: My heart and passion. I want people to know that I'm being my authentic self and that I made an impact in the sickle cell community.
Red Cross: What drives your advocacy for sickle cell?
DeAndra Smith: I want to be the change I want to see. I can't separate the professional from the personal – I cry and feel each and every warrior's pain that I come in contact with. I understand their plight. But I feel this helps me be good at my job and be the change I want to see.
Red Cross: Your story with blood transfusions spans from age two to your recent red cell exchange. How has your understanding of blood donation deepened over time?
DeAndra Smith: To be honest, I didn't trust blood donation before working at the Red Cross. Neither my mom nor I were properly educated about blood donation, which made my early transfusions traumatic for both of us. I adopted that fear and would refuse blood therapy. Recently, I needed a red cell exchange before surgery – 12 pints of blood that helped me have a successful surgery. Today, my fear has been replaced with gratitude for the many blood donors. I know that my best outcome relies on blood therapy, and I'm no longer afraid to receive red cell exchanges or blood transfusions.
Red Cross: Understanding both sides of blood donation, what would you tell someone who is on the fence about giving blood?
DeAndra Smith: Your donation really can help improve the quality of life for someone living with sickle cell and help save a life. You have a choice to give, while those waiting to receive don't have a choice but to wait on your donation. Don't let them wait any longer!
Black Excellence is in Our Blood
Blood and platelet donations are vital in supporting patients with sickle disease undergoing gene therapies, stem cell transplants as well as those in need of regular blood transfusions to alleviate pain and help manage their disease. Commemorate Black History Month by rolling up a sleeve to give blood or putting on a Red Cross vest to volunteer. Make an appointment to donate blood on the Red Cross Blood Donor App or by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/OurBlood. Sign up to become a Red Cross volunteer at RedCross.org/Volunteer or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma from Jan. 27 – Feb. 28 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. Additional details can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/Flurry.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
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