Story told by: Ebony Sullivan, American Red Cross Upstate Chapter Chair

September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month, and this cause is deeply personal to me. My granddaughter, Jrue, was born with Sickle Cell C type, a condition that affects the shape of her red blood cells and can cause severe pain, complications, and frequent hospital visits. Watching my daughter navigate life with such courage as a young mom is so inspiring to me.  

It is because of her — and the countless others living with sickle cell disease — that I choose to dedicate my time and energy as the Chair of the Upstate Chapter of the American Red Cross. The Red Cross plays a critical role in supporting sickle cell patients by ensuring access to lifesaving blood donations. For many, these transfusions are not optional — they are the key to reducing pain crises, preventing organ damage, and simply being able to live more fully.  

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. For sickle cell patients, the need is even more urgent. Blood that closely matches a patient’s ethnicity is often the safest and most effective. That means diverse donors are especially needed to give. Your donation could literally be the difference between pain and relief, between struggle and hope, between fear and another chance at life.  

When I look at my granddaughter, I see not only the challenges she faces, but also the opportunity we all have to step in and make a difference. Volunteering with the Red Cross allows me to turn my love for her into action — and to inspire others to do the same.  

This month, I invite you to join me in raising awareness, supporting families, and most importantly, rolling up your sleeve to donate blood. You may never meet the child, parent, or grandparent whose life you save, but your generosity will be felt in every beat of their heart.  

Together, we can ensure that children like my granddaughter — and so many others — have the chance to thrive.  

Give blood. Give hope. Give life. Make an appointment to give blood at RedCrossBlood.org #SickleCellAwarenessMonth #RedCross #BloodDonorsSaveLives