Pictured: Jeron Ward makes his first blood donation since high school. Since his father's extended hospitalization following a life-threatening sickle cell crisis, Jeron now advocates for diverse blood donations, particularly within Black communities where blood compatibility rates are crucial for sickle cell patients. Photos by Mimi Teller/American Red Cross.
By Mimi Teller/American Red Cross
In February 2022, Jeron Ward’s father went to the hospital for what he thought was simple back pain. However, his condition escalated as signs of a stroke appeared, leading doctors to run further tests. They soon discovered that sickle cell disease was the underlying cause—a condition that causes red blood cells to become rigid and sickle-shaped, blocking blood flow and increasing the risk of organ damage. In Jeron’s father’s case, these clots had led to multiple strokes. During three critical days, blood transfusions were essential to stabilize his condition and prevent further complications, including death.
“I now realize that sickle cell manifests itself in very unpredictable ways and understand how critical it is to have access to blood in a timely fashion” Jeron shared. “In my dad’s case, we didn’t have any hurdles, but if we couldn’t get blood when he needed it, I don’t know what would have happened. I see that sometimes when someone needs blood, it’s not there.”
Jeron’s experience aligns closely with the Red Cross’s Sickle Cell Initiative, a program dedicated to educating communities about the specific needs of sickle cell patients and boosting blood donations from diverse populations. This initiative is particularly focused on the Black community, where blood compatibility for sickle cell patients is often higher. The Red Cross tackles common challenges by building community trust, spreading awareness and highlighting the urgency of regular blood donations to aid those in crisis.
The Red Cross LA recently partnered with Creative Noize and Supervsn to spotlight the importance of collaboration in fighting sickle cell disease. Combining efforts in a local blood drive, the partnership brought together the Los Angeles community, creating a platform to educate the public on the urgent needs of sickle cell patients.
Collaborations like these are central to the Red Cross's Sickle Cell Initiative, a nationwide network of support that drives blood donations, advocacy and underscore the life-saving impact of timely blood access like Jeron’s father’s experience. Through continued collaboration and increased awareness, the initiative not only strengthens the blood supply but also fosters a community-driven commitment to regular donations. Jeron sees this as essential for lasting impact.
“I understand the hesitation towards donating blood, as it hasn’t been a normal occurrence in the Black community,” Jeron said, “But you need to put yourself in a position where it becomes life-critical for you or someone in your family. Color and income don’t matter; mistrust in the process didn’t matter when my dad’s life was on the line.”
Jeron now understands the unpredictable nature of sickle cell disease and the critical need for timely access to blood. His father's experience highlights the importance of community blood donations. Partner with the Red Cross and host a blood drive to help save lives.
Inspired by his father’s experience, Jeron has become an advocate for blood donation and sickle cell awareness, urging others to support this life-saving cause. “To help ourselves, we literally need to help ourselves. We need to be proactive; sometimes we have seconds to work things out. Don’t let that be the moment where it all makes sense to you—it could be too late.”
Unite your community to make a life-saving impact by hosting a Red Cross blood drive and support sickle cell patients. For details, visit: redcrossblood.org.
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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