By Dawn Anderson, Public Affairs/Communications Volunteer

Looking around the blood donation center, everyone has their own reason for being there. For some, it’s because a family member or friend needed blood. For others, it is simply a community service. For Rochelle Obiekwe, it is more personal. Her journey began at the age of 9 with what should have been a routine gallbladder surgery but turned into a life-threatening emergency.  Gallbladder surgery is a common procedure in the United States, with over 600,000 surgeries performed annually. Most of these surgeries are routine, but young Rochelle required a blood transfusion to sustain her during surgery. The blood supply was readily available when she needed it allowing her to grow into a woman who recognizes the importance of the Red Cross mission.

Rochelle is one of more than 100,000 individuals in the United States living with sickle cell disease, a genetic disorder that causes red blood cells to become stiff and sickle-shaped which can block small blood vessels. The misshapen cells can lead to pain, fatigue, and even infections. Even routine surgeries like gallbladder removal pose increased risks for sickle cell patients and sometimes necessitate blood transfusions.

Due to her condition, Rochelle cannot donate blood, but she felt compelled to volunteer and share her story. She became a Red Cross Blood Drive Ambassador, welcoming donors, answering questions, and creating a positive experience for everyone who visits the donation center.

Rochelle uses her story to highlight the need for consistent donations. "It's why I'm here," she says. "The transfusions I receive are truly life-sustaining." She shares her story and encourages minority donors to come forward. According to the American Red Cross people with sickle cell disease may need as many as 100 units of blood each year. Some patients may need thousands of blood transfusions over their lifetime.

Certain ethnic and racial groups are more likely to have antigens that provide a safer match for sickle cell patients, resulting in fewer transfusion-related complications. But minority donations account for less than twenty percent of blood donations. As Rochelle explained, “Many diverse individuals have an historical mistrust of health care.”  Rochelle uses her role as a Blood Donor Ambassador to encourage others to donate, hoping that by putting a face to the need —her face—she will inspire more donors.

"Everyone has their why," she says, "and by being an Ambassador, I get to share mine".

The American Red Cross recently recognized Rochelle's contributions by awarding her the Red Cross 2024 Biomedical Achievement Award as an ORISE Fellow at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

To make an appointment or to learn more, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Completion of a RapidPass® online health history questionnaire is encouraged to help speed up the donation process. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification 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 have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.