Team Amber – Life is In The Blood

LEND YOUR VOICE TO THE CAUSE OF SICKLE CELL ANEMIA PATIENTS EVERYWHERE

Our vision is a world in which targeted blood donations exceed the needs of every sickle cell anemia patient, everywhere.

OUR INSPIRATION

AMBER FAITH DAWSON
March 24, 1986-January 14, 2024
Amber died in a Houston, TX hospital
while waiting on a blood transfusion.

We’re all in this together.

Though most common in Black African Americans and Latin Americans, the disease can occur in anyone who carries the trait.

Blood transfusions. 

The American Red Cross receives thousands of requests for blood for sickle cell patients in need of blood transfusions each week.

Become a regular blood donor.

When you self-identify as someone whose heritage might carry the gene, the American Red Cross can immediately match your blood with a sickle cell patient who needs it.

LEND YOUR VOICE TO THE CAUSE OF SICKLE CELL ANEMIA PATIENTS EVERYWHERE

Much remains unknown about the prevalence and impact of sickle cell anemia in the US. This may be due to (among other things):

Inadequate data collection and reporting by our government and healthcare systems

Confusion about the need for blood in
view of new and emerging treatments

Lack of research about sickle cell trait
and its impact on the greater population

Donate Now

    • About Sickle Cell


    According to the Center for
    Disease Control (CDC), the exact
    number of people living with sickle
    cell disease in the US is unknown.

    Newborn screening results:

    3+ million Black African Americans
    carry the trait.

    6+ million Latin Americans
    carry the trait.

    The threat of the disease among
    Latin Americans is likely greater
    than previously believed.

    Sickle Cell Anemia

    • A disease of the red blood cells Blood cells appear sickled under a microscope; become rigid and block blood flow

    • Causes pain and can lead to organ failure and death

    • Blood transfusions and pain medication are common treatments for sickle cell anemia

    Sickle Cell Trait

    • The gene that carries the disease

    • Discoverable by blood test, at birth, or when you give blood

    • Not usually harmful, but can cause the disease in your children when both parents have it

    • The risk of a couple with sickle cell trait having a baby with the disease is 1-in-4 per pregnancy


    THE MOST IMPORTANT
    KNOWN STATISTIC IS YOU!

    Don’t know if you have the trait? Get tested, even if you don’t think you’re the right race or ethnicity.

    Have the disease? Speak out to friends and family to make them aware of the role of blood in the lives of sickle cell patients.

    Above all, GIVE BLOOD. When you donate and self-identify as a possible match, your blood goes directly to improving and saving the lives of sickle cell patients.

    Donate Now