Blood drive hosted by Hoxworth board member to raise awareness for sickle cell and need for diverse blood supply in Cincinnati

Carla’s journey with sickle cell disease began at the age of two, when, as her mother puts it, she “cried a cry she had never heard before.” After visiting Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Carla was diagnosed with sickle cell disease – a blood disorder that changes normal, round red blood cells into a rigid, crescent moon shape. These abnormal cells can block blood vessels, impede oxygen flow and cause extreme pain.

Standard treatment for many patients with sickle cell disease includes regular blood transfusions, like Carla received back in 2017 after she experienced a sickle cell crisis.

Locally, the blood required for these tranfusions comes directly from Hoxworth Blood Center donors and is specially matched to each patient by Hoxworth’s 24-hour onsite laboratory staff.