Story told by Bella Fiorenza, Red Cross Volunteer

Kharlybia Roane was born with sickle cell disease and received her first blood transfusion when she was five years old. Kharlybia then received transfusions every other week for five weeks and now, after hundreds of blood transfusions, she is 28 years old and is still battling the genetically inherited disease. She recently spent two weeks hospitalized in Columbia, South Carolina. Kharlybia and her family are all too familiar with the inside of a hospital.  

People with sickle cell disease have red blood cells that have a distorted shape, causing them to block vessels like a traffic jam, which keeps healthy blood cells carrying oxygen from getting to where they need to go. In the U.S., it is estimated that over 100,000 people — the majority of whom are of African descent — have sickle cell disease. One in 3 African American blood donors are a match for people with sickle cell disease. There is no readily available cure for patients born with sickle cell, but there is hope for pain relief with blood transfusions.

Kharlybia’s last blood transfusion was just two weeks ago. Although her need for blood transfusions are not as frequent as they were when she was younger, she is grateful for those who selflessly donate blood.  

“After I receive a blood transfusion, my energy is much better, but the pain can still be there,” said Kharlybia. “As I have gotten older, it has gotten a lot more to deal with, but I have not let it impact me in a negative way. I have learned to look out for my triggers.”  

The America Red Cross, in partnership with Kharlybia’s church, have served patients in need by organizing blood drives. “I don’t think people realize the impact that donating blood has on those that receive it,” Kharlybia explains. “I can’t donate blood but if I could, I would.”  

Blood donations from individuals who are Black play a vital role in meeting the broader transfusion needs of patients and those with sickle cell disease. That’s why the Red Cross is teaming up with partners in the Black community, to rally blood donors to give in honor of Black History Month. Make an appointment to donate lifesaving blood with the Red Cross at www.redcrossblood.org.