By: Paige Zulandt

It’s been four years since Lukhan Cooper underwent a stem cell transplant after living her whole life with sickle cell disease. She was first diagnosed with sickle cell anemia when she was 16 months old.

“Growing up with sickle cell, there were a lot of limitations,” Lukhan shares. She had to plan ahead to try and avoid having a crisis, while also sitting on the sidelines during different activities.

“Like my sister and brother could go outside and play in the fire hydrant,” Lukhan remembers. “Well, when I played in the fire hydrant, you know it’s cold water, a crisis would come on. So, I couldn’t go outside for that.”

Sickle cell crisis is a common, painful complication of sickle cell disease. It happens when sickled cells build up in a blood vessel and block blood flow to parts of the body. This then turns into extreme pain, which in severe cases can require a hospital stay.

When Lukhan moved to Tennessee, she was constantly sick. At one point she was admitted to the hospital 24 times in a year, causing her to miss out on important events in her children’s lives. That’s when she was referred to a doctor at Vanderbilt who told her she would be a good candidate for a stem cell transplant.

“That has been a breakthrough in my life,” Lukhan shares. “Because when the weather changes, I’m not getting sick; I’m not going to the hospital. I’m able to work a full-time job now, not calling out as much because of a crisis.”

She can now participate in and do more activities since undergoing the transplant. This year, she participated in her first-ever 5K race, the 5th Annual Sickle Cell Warrior Walk-Run hosted by Breaking the SSickle Cell Cycle Foundation.

“This was my first time actually doing it, walking the 5K,” Lukhan shared. “I’ve always been on the other side.”

Lukhan has been a part of the Breaking the SSickle Cell Cycle Foundation for years. She says after hearing the foundation’s founder, Dr. Lametra Scott, speak at an event, she had to get to know her and learn from her. Now she helps others in the sickle cell community.

“I want to be able to help others like me who have sickle cell get the support they need, when they need it,” Lukhan says.

Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic blood disorder in the U.S., and regular blood transfusions are critical to manage extreme pain and life-threatening complications. Patients may need as many as 100 units of blood per patient per year. That’s why blood donors are so important.

“To all those blood donors out there, keep on donating,” Lukhan encourages. “Your blood saved my life, and it can save many others.”

As for what’s next for Lukhan, the mother of three and grandmother of seven says she is enjoying doing the things she couldn’t for years.

“I get to travel!” Lukhan shares. “Being able to travel and not having to worry about where the closest hospital is.”

She’s already planned her next trip to Cozumel, Mexico.

If you are interested in donating blood, you can find an appointment near you at RedCrossBlood.org.