Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder that affects the shape and function of red blood cells. Instead of being round and flexible, red blood cells with Sickle Cell Disease become hard, sticky, and shaped like crescent moons—or sickles. These cells can block blood flow, cause severe pain, and lead to serious health complications including stroke, organ damage, and frequent infections.

SCD is a lifelong condition that requires comprehensive, ongoing care—but with the right support, individuals living with Sickle Cell can lead full and vibrant lives.

Sickle Cell Disease primarily affects people of African descent, but it also impacts individuals from Latino, Middle Eastern, Asian, and Mediterranean backgrounds. In the U.S., it is estimated that:

• About 1 in 365 African American babies is born with SCD

• About 1 in 13 African American babies is born with the Sickle Cell Trait

• Over 100,000 people nationwide are living with the disease

Despite its prevalence, SCD continues to be underfunded and misunderstood—which is why awareness and education are key.

Sickle Cell Trait means a person carries one copy of the sickle gene but usually doesn’t have symptoms. However, they can still pass the gene to their children.

Sickle Cell Disease occurs when a person inherits two copies of the sickle gene—one from each parent.

Genetic counseling and early testing can help families understand their risk and plan for the future.

People with SCD may experience:

• Chronic pain and fatigue

• Frequent infections

• Delayed growth in children

• Vision problems

• Episodes of intense pain, known as "pain crises"

SCD affects each person differently. Some may require frequent hospital visits, while others manage their condition with lifestyle changes and medication. Compassionate care and community support can make all the difference.

While there is currently no universal cure for Sickle Cell Disease, there are a range of treatments that can help manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve quality of life. Treatment plans are often tailored to each person’s needs and may evolve over time.

Common Treatment Options Include:

📍 Pain Management
Many people living with SCD experience chronic pain or pain crises. Treatment may include over-the-counter medications, prescription pain relief, heating pads, rest, and hydration. Emotional support and counseling are also key in managing the mental and physical toll of chronic pain.

💊 Medications

• Hydroxyurea: This daily medication can reduce the number of pain crises and hospitalizations by helping the body produce more fetal hemoglobin.

• L-glutamine (Endari): Helps reduce oxidative stress in red blood cells and may decrease the frequency of pain episodes.

• Crizanlizumab (Adakveo) and Voxelotor (Oxbryta): Newer therapies that reduce pain episodes and improve hemoglobin levels.

🩸 Blood Transfusions
Regular blood transfusions can help treat severe anemia, prevent stroke, and manage complications. Some individuals may also undergo exchange transfusions to replace sickled cells with healthy ones.

🧬 Bone Marrow / Stem Cell Transplant
This is currently the only known potential cure for Sickle Cell Disease, but it is not widely accessible and carries significant risks. It is most successful in children who have a matched donor.

Everyday Management Matters

In addition to medical care, healthy lifestyle choices play a big role in managing SCD:

• Stay hydrated

• Eat a balanced diet

• Get plenty of rest

• Avoid extreme temperatures

• Seek emotional and mental health support

The Future of Sickle Cell Treatment

Researchers and advocates are working every day toward better treatments—and a cure. Gene therapy and other breakthroughs are on the horizon, but equity and access remain a concern. That’s why our work continues—not just to support individuals today, but to fight for better care tomorrow.

Clearing up misconceptions is key to building empathy, fighting stigma, and ensuring better care for individuals living with Sickle Cell Disease. Here are some of the most common myths—and the truth behind them.

🟥 Myth: Sickle Cell Disease only affects Black people.
✅ Fact: While SCD is most common among individuals of African descent, it also affects people from Latino, Middle Eastern, Indian, Mediterranean, and Asian backgrounds. Anyone can carry the sickle cell gene.

🟥 Myth: If you have Sickle Cell Trait, you’ll develop the disease.
✅ Fact: Sickle Cell Trait is not the same as Sickle Cell Disease. People with the trait carry one copy of the gene and usually don’t experience symptoms—but they can pass the gene to their children.

🟥 Myth: Sickle Cell Disease is contagious.
✅ Fact: SCD is a genetic condition. It is inherited from both parents and cannot be spread from person to person.

🟥 Myth: People with Sickle Cell Disease are just seeking pain medication.
✅ Fact: Pain from SCD is real, intense, and often invisible. It's caused by blocked blood flow and oxygen shortages in the body. People with SCD deserve compassionate care—not judgment.

🟥 Myth: Sickle Cell Disease can be cured with simple treatment.
✅ Fact: There is no widely available cure. Treatment helps manage symptoms and prevent complications, but SCD is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing medical and emotional support.

🟥 Myth: People with Sickle Cell Disease can’t live full lives.
✅ Fact: With proper care, support, and access to treatment, individuals with SCD can go to school, build careers, raise families, and thrive.