By: Evan Peterson 

It’s often said that donating blood benefits others, but in the case of the James’ a single encounter at a donation center changed their lives.

Last December, Karleen and her son Eugene II took part in a blood donation event, hosted by the Atlanta chapter of the ‘Jack and Jill of America’ organization. The event’s goal was simple, encourage these families, and their children, to participate in the blood donation process. Hoping that with a positive experience this one-time event would turn into a habit of routine donations.

However, when Karleen and her son finished donating blood, the post-donation report showed her something she wasn’t expecting. She was a carrier of the sickle cell trait. Her son Eugene II has the sickle cell trait, but as Karleen will tell you – the discovery caught her by surprise.

“I knew that Eugene carried it at birth, but never had the idea until I got the report,” said Karleen.

A discovery that leads Karleen and her son down a path of discovery, education, and awareness.

“Giving blood with the trait is very much needed in our community and I don’t think that it is out there enough,” said Karleen. “Had we not been a part of the ‘Jack and Jill’ foundation and come into the Red Cross we would have never realized that.”

As the two of them discovered the importance of blood diversity, the impact sickle cell disease has on the African American community, and the need for continued donations - the habit to donate blood had formed.

As soon as the two of them became eligible to donate blood again, they were back in the donation chair. An act of charity Eugene II says he’s eager to continue doing.

“I believe these donations are going to make a positive impact in the black community and in every community,” said Eugene II.  “I know that I’m doing a good deed today, and that will make me smile.”