Elizabeth Ganaway, of Ridgeville, SC, was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease in 2017. Ever since, she receives monthly blood transfusions requiring anywhere from eight to eleven units of blood for each exchange. Elizabeth says that without blood donors, her treatment wouldn’t be possible. 

"It is critical that people donate blood because I am just one of many who requires monthly transfusions. It's critical,” said Elizabeth.  

Sickle cell disease is a common, inherited blood disorder. Throughout their lives, people with sickle cell disease can suffer a range of conditions, including acute anemia, tissue and organ damage, terrible pain and even strokes. Elizabeth says that in order to alleviate her pain, her monthly blood exchanges are vital. Elizabeth says the Red Cross has played a huge role in her relief from Sickle Cell Disease, even describing the Red Cross nurses she has worked with as angels. Elizabeth says that one Red Cross nurse she has worked with for years has become a good friend.  

“So compassionate, she is really now a friend,” said Elizabeth. 

Now, Elizabeth wants to do her part to help increase blood donations in South Carolina by hosting her own blood drive. She is the Blood Program Leader for her blood drive on Saturday, January 21st at the Sand Hill Methodist Church in Ridgeville, South Carolina. The blood drive will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

"I would encourage people to at least give donating a try because it's such a critical need. It may even be themselves that requires blood at some point, or it could be a loved one." 

To make an appointment to donate lifesaving blood, go to redcrossblood.org.