Story told by Megan Miller, Red Cross Volunteer 

Corey Egleston is no stranger to sacrifice. From serving in the military, to making a lifelong commitment to regular blood donation with the American Red Cross, Corey is not afraid to give of himself in service to others. 

Growing up with a family member who suffered from sickle cell disease, Corey was exposed at a young age to the necessity of blood donations in the African American community. 

“My cousin was the reason. I watched him suffer from sickle cell and need blood when he was admitted to the hospital,” said Corey, citing his late cousin, Grady, as his motivation for giving blood. 

Sickle cell disease is a genetic condition that affects over 100,000 Americans, with 1 in every 13 Black babies being born with sickle cell trait. This condition causes the red blood cells to become “sickle” shaped, which can lead to painful and life-threatening blockages. 

Blood transfusions are an essential treatment in sickle cell disease. A blood transfusion is used to prevent stroke, organ damage, and severe pain in a sickle cell crisis. It is especially important that the patient receives compatible blood so they can avoid negative transfusion reactions. 

“It is an easy process to sign up, especially with the online services offered to help with scheduling,” Corey encourages others to give blood. “Working in the manufacturing industry, man can invent anything, but blood is the one thing we cannot mass produce.” 

To serve patients battling sickle cell, the Red Cross needs a diverse population of blood donors. Blood donors who are Black are encouraged to sign up to donate, as 1 in 3 Black Americans have blood that is compatible with a person with sickle cell disease. Join Corey in the fight against sickle cell disease by scheduling an appointment to donate blood today: redcrossblood.org