18
Sep
Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder of the red blood cells. Instead of being round, they become hard and sticky and take on a “C” or sickle shape.
The affected red blood cells die early, so people affected need blood transfusions. That’s why an adequate blood supply is so important to people like 12-year-old Anne Singiza.
Anne is always singing as if she didn’t have a care in the world — but she does. For all of her 12 years, she’s endured the pain that come with sickle cell disease.
“Mostly my bones start hurting. Not fun. Not really,” she explained.
Because red blood cells are misshapen by the genetic blood disorder, they become hard and sticky causing pain, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke.
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