An estimated 100,000 people are living with sickle cell disease in the United States and most, if not all of them, may require as many as 100 units of blood a year to manage the life-threatening complications associated with it throughout their lifetime.
Getting blood transfusions is a regular practice for Clifton R. Kirkman II who was diagnosed with sickle cell disease when he was 18 months old. Every four weeks he drives to a hospital partner of the American Red Cross for a transfusion appointment, a routine he has steadily maintained for 27 years.
“It allows for me to have more energy once I get my blood transfusion,” Kirkman said. “The fatigue and tiredness goes away.”
Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic blood disorder in the United States and occurs in 1 in 365 Black or African American births. It causes a person’s red blood cells to be hard and crescent-shaped instead of round and soft. As a result, blood has difficulty flowing smoothly and carrying oxygen to the rest of the body, which can lead to severe pain, tissue and organ damage, anemia and stroke.
Blood transfusions are a lifesaving treatment that increases the number of normal red blood cells, which help to deliver oxygen throughout the body and unblock blood vessels.
People with sickle cell benefit from blood and platelet donations that are closely matched to the blood of the recipient to avoid transfusion-related complications. Blood donors who are Black are almost 3 times more likely to be a match for the blood mostly commonly needed, compared with donors who are not Black or African American.
Over the years, Kirkman has learned to cope with the disease and its complications – “there is never a day when we are not consumed, concerned or thinking about what could potentially happen,” all the while striving to maintain a hopeful outlook. He does not allow sickle cell to define him and credits that self-assurance to his supportive family and Wanda Whitten-Shurney, M.D., chief executive officer of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Michigan Chapter.
Today, he enjoys a career as a freelance journalist and social media content creator. He is also a vocal and tireless advocate for raising awareness about sickle cell and the importance of blood donations from eligible donors in the Black community. He has spoken at many venues, including churches and conferences.
“If you meet me, you’re going to know I have sickle cell so that awareness can take place when you hear about it,” Kirkman said. “I’m the one living with it day in and day out. I want those who come behind me to understand that it’s an illness. Does it take some learning to get an understanding, yes. Does this mean you never have a life unfulfilled, no.”
Throughout the months of September and October, the Red Cross is teaming up with partners in the Black community to rally blood donors who are Black to make an appointment to give at blood drives. Here are scheduled sickle cell blood drives in Southeast Michigan:
Eligible donors can make an appointment at these blood drives and others near their home or work by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
Kirkman encourages those who are eligible to donate blood to make an appointment.
“There is never a time when blood is not needed so find out where you’re able to donate blood in your community," he said. “You’re doing a great thing.”
By David Olejarz, regional communications director