Blood Transfusions Provide Relief for Mother and Daughter Living with Sickle Cell Disease

By Briana Phillips, Red Cross Volunteer

Nikyah and Britney

When you picture a blood transfusion recipient, you usually visualize someone that was involved in a traumatic accident, like a trauma patient that was in a car accident and lost several units of blood. And while blood donations are commonly used in emergency situations, they also can be greatly beneficial for those with sickle cell disease. For Britney and her daughter Nikyah, who both live with the disease, a transfusion can be lifesaving.

Britney has lived with sickle cell disease nearly her whole life, but she didn’t receive an official diagnosis until she was eight. “It happened all of a sudden,” Britney remembered, “I was extremely active playing sports, but one day it’s like everything switched. I was hurting constantly.” After going to the emergency room several times, doctors finally discovered that Britney had sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell disease causes red blood cells to be hard and crescent-shaped instead of soft and round. As a result, it is difficult for blood to flow smoothly and carry adequate oxygen to the rest of the body, which may result in severe pain, stroke and organ damage. 

Britney stated that everything in her life has changed since she was diagnosed. “Some days aren’t too bad. But then some days, I’ll be hurting so bad in my arms, legs and joints that I have to go to the hospital for relief. You really never know what you are going to feel like from one day to the next.”

Not only does Britney live with sickle cell disease, but so does her nine-year-old daughter, Nikyah. While Nikyah has had her fair share of pain as well, including having her spleen removed, she is healthy and active.

In the U.S., it is estimated that over 100,000 people – the majority of whom are of African descent – have sickle cell disease and may require blood transfusions throughout their lifetime to help manage their disease. Blood donations from individuals of the same race or similar ethnicity and blood type have a unique ability to help patients experiencing a sickle cell crisis. 

Blood transfusion helps relieve pain during a crisis and prevent other complications by increasing the number of healthy red blood cells in the body, helping to deliver oxygen throughout the body and unblock blood vessels.

Britney and Nikyah have both needed blood transfusions when the pain becomes unmanageable.

“Having a transfusion is like getting your life back,” Britney described. “All the energy and strength I had been missing slowly returns and it’s like I can breathe a huge sigh of relief. Once I get the transfusion, I feel capable of going back home and getting back to my life like normal.”

Even though Britney feels much relief after a blood transfusion, it doesn’t compare to what she feels when she sees Nikyah undergo the same treatment. “I know exactly what she is going through, so being able to watch Nikyah get her energy back is amazing,” Britney said. “It’s like watching someone come back to life again.”

Thankfully, Britney and Nikyah haven’t needed to get blood transfusions often. But when they do, they are glad that blood donations from generous Red Cross blood donors are there to help them get back to living their lives. 

“Transfusions give me and my daughter hope,” Britney shared. “Blood donations really do save lives.”

Learn more at RedCrossBlood.org/OurBlood.

Emergency blood and platelet shortage: Red Cross supplies drop to lowest post-summer levels since 2015

This is serious: The national American Red Cross blood inventory is the lowest it has been at this time of year since 2015. Donors of all blood types – especially type O – and platelet donors are urged to make an appointment to give now and in the weeks ahead to overcome an emergency shortage.   

Here are 3 easy ways YOU can help restock the shelves: 

1. Make an appointment to give blood or platelets by downloading the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).   

2. Let your friends and family know there is an emergency blood shortage. 

3. Invite someone to donate with you. 

 

One act of kindness deserves another 

• As a thank-you, all those who come to donate through Sept. 30 and help tackle the emergency blood shortage will receive a limited-edition football-inspired T-shirt while supplies last, plus a coupon for a free haircut via email from Sport Clips Haircuts.   

• All those who come to donate in October will receive a link by email to claim a free Zaxby’s Signature Sandwich reward or get a $5 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Terms and conditions apply; see rcblood.org/zax for details. 

 

Don’t wait – make your appointment to donate.  

Zechariah Shares His Experience with Sickle Cell Disease and Emphasizes the Importance of Blood Donations

By Briana Phillips, Red Cross Volunteer

Zechariah Dooley

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Red Cross blood donations are in critical demand. Especially for those like Zechariah Dooley who live with sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that causes problems with red blood cells. A person with sickle cell has red blood cells that are stiff and shaped like a sickle. They also produce an abnormal type of hemoglobin. Complications arise when these abnormal cells block smaller blood vessels and reduce blood flow to different areas of the body. Because of these factors, it’s common for those with sickle cell to have severe chronic pain, respiratory issues and even organ failure.

Having sickle cell disease for Zechariah is like “living on a rollercoaster” his entire life. While the trait for sickle cell disease runs in his family, he is the only one who has been diagnosed with it.

“It’s very traumatic,” Zechariah stated. “I’m basically in some type of pain 24/7. Pain is a constant for me.” He frequently experiences sharp, achy pain in his joints, fatigue, dizziness and shortness of breath due to his condition.

Despite the chronic pain, Zechariah still has a positive outlook. “It’s tough to live with, but I keep going the best I can. I just take things one day at a time,” he said. 

There is no current cure for sickle cell disease, but there are ways to help mitigate the pain. Receiving blood transfusions can be highly beneficial for those who suffer from the disease. Getting a blood transfusion helps minimize their intense pain and even reduce the risk of stroke.

Although it’s been several years since Zechariah received his last transfusion with the American Red Cross, he clearly remembers how much it helped his symptoms. “I was at the point where I needed relief badly, and the transfusion I got from the Red Cross helped tremendously,” he said. “I had so much energy once it was done. It was amazing.”

Blood transfusion is essential in managing the pain and long-term health of those with sickle cell disease, most of whom are of African descent. Patients are more likely to find a compatible blood match from a donor of the same race or a similar ethnicity.

From Zechariah’s experience, the relief that donors provide with their blood cannot be overemphasized. “Transfusions are life savers to people like me. Every donation truly makes a difference,” he concluded.

Of course, blood donations cannot be created or manufactured; they solely come from generous donors like you. To help people like Zechariah, please consider donating blood. You can schedule an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org.

Tennessee Flooding: Terry and Janet's Story

After losing their home to the flooding on Aug. 21, Terry and Janet stayed in a Red Cross shelter in Dickson. Terry is 73 and a former Army combat medic. While serving in Germany, he taught American Red Cross first aid classes on the base. He said they lasted 16 hours, and were open to soldiers, their families, and the public. Today he is confined to a wheelchair. Janet is his love and caretaker. Because of Terry’s wheelchair, they are limited to accessible apartments on the first floor.

Just as Terry served the Red Cross when he was a soldier, now we serve him. Red Cross health services volunteers met with him to support his medical needs. The Red Cross Fort Campbell Station Manager spoke with them about support available through Veterans Affairs programs. At the shelter, Red Cross workers provided Terry and Janet with comfort, food, and help to recover from this difficult event.

Record Breaking Results for “Remembering the Badges” Blood Drives

Local first responders work together break donation records for the 20th anniversary of 9/11 

NASHVILLE, Tenn., (Sept. 17, 2021) — First responders from around the state teamed up with the American Red Cross, Ascension Saint Thomas, and the Tennessee Titans and collected a record-breaking amount of blood donations during the “Remembering the Badges” blood drive. Eligible donors were encouraged to take part in these community blood drives since May 2021 to donate in honor of the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001. 

The original goal of 2,977 blood donations, equal to the lives lost on 9/11, was far surpassed during the drives to 5,143 pints collected in Tennessee. Those donations will be used in area hospitals to save the lives of up to 15,429 patients. This was the 13th year for the “Remembering the Badges" blood drive partnership with the Red Cross and is one of the largest-sponsored blood drives in Tennessee. Supporting law enforcement and fire personnel, while helping to save lives through blood donation, is a long-standing tradition 

The annual “Battle of the Badges” blood drives in the past have created friendly competition that takes place to see which Badge can collect the most pints at their blood drive for patient care. “We decided to band together this year and honor those who perished on that fateful day,” said Garry Allison, Regional Donor Services Executive for the American Red Cross. “We are so proud of all the efforts that went into this year to provide our communities with a safe blood supply and knowing that during a blood shortage across the nation, we were able to surpass our goal is just amazing.”  

“Remembering the Badges” provided an opportunity for family and friends who are healthy and well to come together to make a blood donation to help seriously ill and critically injured patients. The Red Cross is seeing fewer blood and platelet donors step up to give as the nation continues to deal with the Covid pandemic. This downturn comes at a time when the Red Cross continues to see strong demand for blood products − including platelets − by hospitals. 

Pictured here, Lt. Jeff Moorehead, Brentwood PD, Troy Pollard, Brentwood Public Works, and Assistant Chief Richard Hickey donated blood Sept. 9 at the Remembering the Badges blood drive in Brentwood, Tennessee. Photo by Marvin Koch/American Red Cross.

“The need for blood does not stop and as we continue to battle this pandemic it is imperative for people to continue to donate at local Red Cross blood drives and at our blood donation centers in Nashville and Murfreesboro," added Allison. “These brave men and women who serve our communities have shown how we can come together and give life-saving blood to help those on the frontlines to help patients with traumatic injuries and surgeries this fall. To give more time to a family with a loved one battling cancer. To help someone battling sickle-cell disease. The need never stops.”   

Blood can be safely donated every 56 days and Power Reds can be donated every 112 days. Platelets can be given every seven days – up to 24 times a year. In most states, individuals who are 17 years old (16 years old with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also need to meet certain height and weight requirements. 

Blood drive safety precautions 

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and added precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for staff and volunteers – have been implemented to ensure the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are encouraged to wear a mask during donation. 

How you can donate blood 

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.  

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App. 

Recovery assistance continues for residents in Houston, Hickman, Humphreys, and Dickson Counties

UPDATE: American Red Cross of Tennessee Flood Response

Deadline to apply for Red Cross assistance – Sept. 20

Photo Credit: Virginia Hart/American Red Cross

WAVERLY, Tenn., Sept. 17, 2021 – American Red Cross disaster responders from across Tennessee and the nation  continue to help those in Houston, Hickman, Humphreys and Dickson counties following catastrophic flooding on Aug. 21. The area received up to 17 inches of rain in 12 hours and is being called a historic flooding event in Tennessee history with tragic loss of life and more than 700 homes considered as destroyed or suffering major destruction. The Red Cross is working beside community partners to help residents and link them to partner agencies who can help on the long road to recovery.

To help people in the Middle Tennessee area whose homes were affected by the August flooding, the American Red Cross of the Tennessee Region has developed a client casework phone line for residents to register for assistance. Clients can call 833-583-3114. 

When dialing that number, you will be automatically redirected to a messaging service just for the “Middle Tennessee Floods”. Please follow the directions to leave your name, number, e-mail address and pre-disaster home address after the tone.

Since Aug. 21, the American Red Cross has provided the communities with:

• More than 1,800 overnight stays in emergency shelters and hotel lodgings.

• Some 7,250 critical relief items.

• More than 22,000 meals and snacks.

• Nearly 3,000 contacts with people to supply emotional support, health services and spiritual care. This includes the support to help residents replace their prescription medication and eyeglasses that may have been lost in their rush to escape the floodwaters.

• Financial assistance to 458 households to help families replace clothes or food, offset transportation costs, or support any other immediate needs.

• 200+ trained disaster volunteers to support relief efforts both in person and virtually.

Help is Still Available

Disasters are upsetting experiences for everyone involved. Children, senior citizens, people with disabilities and people for whom English is not their first language are especially at risk and are likely to need extra care and help.  

To reach out for free 24/7 counseling or support, contact the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.

Emergency App

Download the Red Cross Emergency App for real-time weather alerts, open shelters, and expert advice on what to do after a disaster. The Emergency App is available for free in-app stores by searching “American Red Cross” or going to redcross.org/apps.

If you are interested in learning about volunteering with the Red Cross, check out RedCross.org/Tennessee or call 1-800-RED CROSS. Visit redcross.org/flood for full flood safety information.

Waverly Volunteer with the American Red Cross Helps his Neighbors in Need

By Debra Alexander Fisher, Red Cross Volunteer 

Bruce Felts began volunteering with the American Red Cross in 2011 as a Disaster Action Team member with the Tennessee River chapter. On Aug. 21, 2021, Felts was able to step up and serve his own community after a historic and deadly flash flood destroyed much of the city that he called home. 

Following the flooding in Waverly, Felts served in feeding services on an Emergency Response Vehicle for Red Cross to people who had lost their homes and for some, their own loved ones. 

He knew he wanted to serve and help his community. Being so close to the disaster, there was some hesitation to assign him to the disaster response. Felts persisted and has been working every day since the waters overtook the city. “It has been a rollercoaster of emotions,” he admits. “I have been working my regular job during the day, then feeding after work in the community.” 

Many of his family and friends lost everything including some friends that lost their lives. “I can’t help the ones that lost their lives,” he said. “But for me, handing meals to my neighbors, family and friends and being able to speak to them by name is not only rewarding, but knowing they are alive and are okay has had a calming effect on me.” 

Felts said he is so appreciates being a part of the recovery in Waverly, and for the outpouring of more than 200 Red Cross volunteers from all over the country who have come together for a common goal of hope and help.

Disaster Health Services Volunteer Spotlight

American Red Cross Disaster Health Services volunteers like Alice Crespos are an important part of our disaster response. Health Services volunteers provide support like addressing disaster-caused health needs and replacing prescription medications, eyeglasses or critical medical equipment like canes and wheelchairs that were left behind in the rush to get to safety. Alice is pictured here serving Humphreys County residents after the catastrophic Aug. 21 flooding.

Photo Credit: American Red Cross/Virginia Hart

Flooding Response Continues in Middle Tennessee

On Saturday, Aug. 21, Middle Tennessee experienced catastrophic flash flooding from a line of rain and storms that moved swiftly through the state. A reported 17 inches of rain fell within a 12-hour period. Dickson, Hickman, Houston, and Humphreys counties all received significant impact, with the city of Waverly the most devastated. More than 700 homes were either heavily damaged or destroyed.

Within hours, Red Cross volunteers began arriving in the affected areas providing safe shelter, food, relief supplies and comfort to those in need.

Today, Red Cross volunteers continue to provide support to people affected. Our work is not done. Red Cross caseworkers are connecting one-on-one with people to assist with recovery. Those in need of assistance can call 833-583-3114. Affected residents must register for assistance with a caseworker by Sept. 20, 2021.

August Tennessee Flooding Assistance

Sept. 6, 2021

The American Red Cross is working alongside emergency officials and community groups to help families affected by the catastrophic flooding in Tennessee in August.

If you were affected and need assistance, please contact us at 833-583-3114. Clients must register for assistance with caseworkers by Sept. 20. 

When dialing that number, you will be automatically redirected to a messaging service just for the “Middle Tennessee Floods”. Please follow the directions to leave your name, number, email address and pre-disaster home address after the tone.