Dr. Condoleezza Rice began her journey with the Red Cross in 1992 and deepened her relationship in 2005 by supporting Hurricane Katrina disaster relief efforts. As a special appointee to the Red Cross Board of Governors, she witnessed just how vital our services are in times of disaster. It was this experience that cemented her dedication to our mission.
Dr. Rice is a proud member of the Tiffany Circle, a community of women leaders who advance the Red Cross mission through a focused investment of time, talent, and treasure and engaging women locally, nationally and internationally. In October, Tiffany Circle members and guests will gather for the Tiffany Circle Summit in Washington, D.C., to celebrate their impact and learn more about our mission-driven work, and specifically, our Sickle Cell Initiative.
Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic blood disorder in the U.S., and regular blood transfusions are critical to manage extreme pain and life-threatening complications. One in three African American blood donors are a match for people with sickle cell disease. To help ensure patients have the blood products they need, the Red Cross is working closely with partners in the Black community to grow the number of blood donors who are Black.
For Dr. Rice, this initiative is personal for her because she has family members with sickle cell disease. She is proud to partner with the Red Cross as it takes on this initiative while continuing to support disaster relief efforts. “I give to the Red Cross because the Red Cross is always there when there are people in need,” Dr. Rice said.