September 8, 2023, Long Beach, CA. Lathan Singleton, Founder of The Unspoken Hero Society is a Sickle Cell warrior, community organizer, patient advocate and mentor. He is photographed at the The Unspoken Heroes Society blood drive with American Red Cross at Christ Second Baptist Church in Long Beach, CA. Photos by Mimi Teller/American Red Cross
By Mike Tierney/American Red Cross
From personal experience, Lathan Singleton knows all too well the burdens that sickle cell disease places on its sufferers.
“It’s a constant tug-a-war with your body and, by extension, your mind,” Singleton says of the inherited red blood cell disorder that primarily impacts folks of African descent. “There were times I would leave the hospital feeling like a traumatized, heavily wounded soldier or a champion who has triumphed and reached a new level of patience, understanding and strength.”
Singleton’s positivity is reflected in The Unspoken Hero Society, a group that he founded whose focus is to address the mental health of those coping with the condition. As part of the current Sickle Cell Awareness Month designated by the American Red Cross, his non-profit organization sponsors several blood drives every year.
Singleton, a patient advocate for the Sickle Cell Medical Advocacy Group, reached out to the Red Cross on behalf of the foundation some years ago to launch the drives. “Advocating for the chronic disease community, specifically the sickle cell community, is our mission and I'm always looking for ways in which we can contribute,” he said. “Knowing how essential blood donations are, getting involved in drives related to sickle cell was a very natural and organic move for us to make.”
The drives help meet a significant demand given that only one in three African American donors is a match for those with sickle cell. The disease affects more than 100,000 U.S. residents, many of whom require regular blood transfusions to manage pain and complications. Transfusions offer healthy blood cells that deliver oxygen and potentially reduce the ill effects.
As challenging as the disease can be, Singleton says he strives to ward off discouragement — both with himself and fellow sufferers — with an uplifting attitude.
“I love what these experiences have molded me into,” he said. “I’ve never once cursed the disease for that reason. I hold every sickle cell warrior in the highest regard, both past and present. I take a lot of pride in descending from and being connected to them.”
About blood donation
To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements. Those interested in donating can find a drive and schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
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/la or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossLA.
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