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.