Mario Jenkins of Columbia, SC is one of about 100,000 people in this country living with Sickle Cell Disease. The disease causes red blood cells to harden and form a crescent shape. When hardened, the cells can get caught in blood vessels and cause serious complications for patients.

There is no widely used cure for sickle cell disease. However, the Red Cross supports one of the most critical sickle cell treatments of all – blood transfusions. As a teen, Mario received a blood transfusion that helped save his life.

Today, the husband and father is thriving and has discovered meaningful ways to support the sickle cell community. In his daily work, Jenkins helps ensure donated blood is distributed to hospitals, including sickle cell patients requiring lifesaving transfusions. He also serves as a volunteer with the James R. Clarke Sickle Cell Foundation. We reached out to him to share more about his journey living with sickle cell.

How has sickle cell disease impacted your life?

'​My family and I discovered that I had sickle cell anemia when I was three years old. Growing up with sickle cell has given me many challenges. I spent half of my grade school and college years either in the hospital or at home dealing with crises. I tried to play sports but the older I got, the more difficult it became to play them. As an adult, I had to learn how to not upset my triggers.  I avoid any physical activity along with avoiding extreme temperature conditions. Growing up I had to learn that there were just certain things that I could not do.'    

What would you like people to understand about living with sickle cell disease? ​ 

'Sickle cell isn't one of those diseases that gets discussed often. Most people will never meet a person with sickle cell, but if they do become acquainted, I ask for them to learn more about the disease and how to help avoid triggers of pain crisis. Sickle cell crises are very painful and if someone tells you that they aren't feeling well, their concerns should be taken seriously.'  

Do you need regular blood transfusions? ​

'I have been blessed to only have had one transfusion in my lifetime. I had a very bad crisis that left me hospitalized for weeks when I was 15 years old. I received two units of blood during that hospital stay. Those two transfusions saved my life.'

Without blood transfusions, what kinds of problems do you face? 

'​If the correct type of blood isn't available for me when the time arises, I wouldn't have any compatible blood to help raise my hemoglobin level to a place where I could possibly come out of  my crisis and start feeling better. If that blood isn't there, I could possibly lose my life.' 

Explain how your work as a Red Crosser supports the needs of patients who require transfusions. ​

'When I first started with the American Red Cross, I noticed  that there were people in South Carolina who were just like me... and some that suffer worse than me. Donated blood that is typed in our labs comes to the distribution department and goes directly to the patient that needs it. This gives me a sense of pride in doing my part for the sickle cell community and helping keep these patients alive and get back to their normal lives.'  

What would you like to say to the people who donate blood? ​

'Simply... THANK YOU!!! Their selfless donations have saved lives. Without donors, patients wouldn't have the blood needed for their survival.'  

In honor of Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September, the Red Cross is partnering with community organizations to help boost the blood supply with more diverse donors. You can help give strength to those battling sickle cell. Make your donation appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org.