At a young age Wendy Fields learned about sickle cell disease. Her parents learned that the Black population was disproportionately affected by this affliction, so they took Fields and her siblings to get blood tests. Of a family of eight, four had the sickle cell trait. Thankfully, none had the disease.

“You watch what other people go through who have the disease, and it’s so hard. We felt so fortunate that we didn’t have it,” Fields said.

Fields is now in her 70s, but she still remembers how scary it was to be tested as a young girl. She was one of the four in her family who was found to have the sickle cell trait. She said that is what spurred her on to help those in need both by giving blood and helping to plan and coordinate blood drives with the American Red Cross.

“Finding out you don’t have the disease doesn’t mean you can’t give back,” Fields said.

September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the disease and the need for blood donations from the Black community. Sickle cell, the most common blood disorder in the nation, affects mainly those of African descent. Blood donations from Black individuals are critical in helping those suffering from this disease.

“We need Black donors,” Fields said. “If your child needed blood, or a loved one, wouldn’t you help? Here’s this chance to give to those who really need it.”

Sickle cell disease distorts soft, round red blood cells and turns them into hard, crescent-shaped ones, making it difficult for the cells to smoothly flow through the bloodstream. This often leads to severe pain, tissue and organ damage, anemia and strokes.

“We need people to give blood, and we need them to give blood often,” Fields said.

Fields said she routinely asks others to roll up a sleeve and donate blood. She said the most common reason she hears for not giving is simply fear of the process.

“Some people are afraid of needles. I ask them, have you had bloodwork done? It’s as easy as that. Sometimes it is even easier,” Fields said.

Fields does community service in Kalamazoo, and said partnering with the Red Cross to run sickle cell blood drives is a natural fit. She wants people to roll their sleeves up, but also to help spread the word.

“I hope leaders will lead,” Fields said. “It takes all of us, and we need you.”

By Alicia Dorr, Regional Communications Manager