By: Jan Coopman

When donors walk into a sickle cell blood drive in Tyler, Texas, they’re greeted by familiar faces, volunteers who have spent their lives caring for others.

Linda Grandison, Pauline Barnes and Everlean “Ebbie” Starling first met years ago as nurses at the same hospital. Though now retired from decades in the health care field, their service hasn’t slowed. Instead, it’s found a new focus through the American Red Cross and is helping patients living with sickle cell disease.

For Grandison, the mission is personal. “As a nurse, I’ve seen some people who do not have pain with sickle cell disease, but many others do, and it is just heartbreaking to see the pain endured when someone is experiencing a sickle cell crisis,” she said. 

What is Sickle Cell Disease?

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. Sickle cell disease causes soft, round red blood cells to become distorted. As a result, blood has difficulty flowing smoothly and carrying oxygen to the rest of the body, which may lead to severe pain, tissue and organ damage, anemia, and even strokes.

In the U.S., it is estimated that over 100,000 people have sickle cell disease, which affects one out of every 365 Black or African American births. As a result, patients may require frequent blood transfusions throughout their lifetimes and need up to 100 units per patient each year.

Sickle Cell Blood Drives in East Texas

That’s why the Red Cross needs donors of all blood types, and that’s where these East Texas women step in. After connecting with Red Cross Health Equity and Awareness Advocate Rena Witherspoon, Grandison began helping host sickle cell blood drives at North Tenneha Church of Christ in Tyler. She recruits donors, spreads the word and works every drive she can.

On drive days, Grandison arrives early. She greets donors, assists with check-in, answers questions and offers reassurance to first-time donors who may be nervous. She makes sure snacks and water are ready. Most importantly, she reminds every donor why their gift matters.

Grandison, Barnes and Starling's leadership extends beyond blood drives. As members of the Greater East Texas Black Nurses Association, they advocate for improved health outcomes and equitable care across the region.

They may call themselves retired, but their impact says otherwise.

During Red Cross Month, we celebrate women like Grandison, Barnes, and Starling, who continue to serve, mentor, and lead long after their formal careers end. They are proof that compassion doesn’t retire.

Their message is simple: “If you can donate blood, do it.”

You may never meet the person you help, but for someone living with sickle cell disease, your donation could mean fewer pain crises, fewer hospital stays and more time living life.

Since launching the Sickle Cell Initiative, the Red Cross has provided more than 300,000 sickle cell trait screenings.

To become a blood drive host, or to schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or use the Red Cross Blood Donor app.

About American Red Cross Month

The American Red Cross recognizes March as Red Cross Month, a national tradition that began in 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first proclamation — and each U.S. president has followed ever since.

During this month, the Red Cross celebrates the people and community partners who step up when needed to help their neighbors. Join more than 30,000 supporters for our 12^th annual Red Cross Giving Day to help provide shelter, food, relief supplies and emotional support to disaster survivors.