About 100,000 people in the U.S., most of whom are of African descent, are living with sickle cell disease – the most common inherited blood disorder in the country.

Sickle cell disease causes red blood cells to be sticky, hard and crescent-shaped instead of soft and round. This makes it difficult for blood to flow smoothly and carry oxygen to the rest of the body, which may lead to severe pain, tissue and organ damage, acute anemia and even strokes.

Blood transfusion helps patients with sickle cell disease by increasing the number of normal red blood cells in the body, helping to deliver oxygen and unblock blood vessels.

To help patients in need, the Dream Center is partnering with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at 1615 E. Wallace St. in Fort Wayne. To schedule an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code dreamwf, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

“As a sickle cell trait carrier, father of a daughter with sickle cell trait and the grandfather of a young girl living with sickle cell disease, I’m asking everyone who is able to donate blood to step forward,” said John Dorth, CEO of The Dream Center. “Your donation is more than a gesture — it is a lifeline. For families like mine, and for countless others in our community, your willingness to give can make the difference between crisis and hope. Please donate for a worthy cause and help save lives.”

Whether blood is needed for a chronic condition, such as sickle cell disease, a surgical procedure or a large-scale emergency, it’s the blood already on the shelves that helps save lives, and a diverse blood supply is needed to help the diverse patients who depend on it.

How to donate blood
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 must meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross Indiana Region:
The American Red Cross of Indiana Region serves 6.9 million people in 104 counties in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Ohio through its chapters: Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, and Greater Indianapolis (Regional Headquarters). 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 us at Redcross.org/Indiana or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @indianaredcross.