About Sickle Cell

Sickle Cell Anemia is a life-threatening, inherited disorder, which affects the normal functioning of the red blood cells. The major function of the red blood cell is the transportation of oxygen throughout the body. Oxygen is carried by a protein known as haemoglobin. 

The normal red blood cell is usually rounded, flexible and capable of passing through tiny blood vessels. A sickle red blood cellwhen deprived of oxygen looses its round flexible shape and become elongated or crescent shaped, rigid and blocks blood vessels. Consequently, blocked blood vessels leading to any organ or tissue will ultimately deprive that part of the body of blood supply. 

Tissues deprived of a normal blood flow results in excruciating pain to the individual. This condition, known as Sickle Cell Crisis, causes some of the complications associated with sickle cell disorder. Quite often, the individual will require hospitalization which could average about two weeks or more. Currently, there are no cures for Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD).

There is no cure for Sickle Cell Anemia.
That’s why we need your help.