Fiercely Facing Sickle Cell, Step-by-Step

February is Black History Month — a time to celebrate the culture and outstanding achievements of Black Americans who’ve helped change the world, advance communities and the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross — like Keyera Jennings.

Most people learn to take their first steps during early years under watchful eyes of caregivers. But for Keyera, learning to walk became a two-part process just as she turned 10.

Keyera was diagnosed with avascular necrosis (known as AVN), which causes the deterioration of bones due to lack of blood supply. It’s a serious complication of sickle cell disease, which Keyera was diagnosed with just five years prior. Doctors told her she would need both hips replaced, causing her to learn how to walk all over again.

She succeeded with the help of her parents who have been by her side every step of her journey.

Those years were challenging. Behind the scenes, Keyera was also facing another battle: misconceptions and lack of educational awareness about sickle cell. Specifically, just how excruciating the pain could be.

For the more than 100,000 people across America living with the most common genetic blood disorder, every day often requires strength to endure severe pain crises caused by the entrapment of sickle-shaped red cells in the bloodstream. Often, Keyera’s level of pain has been questioned, even by medical professionals.

“My parents have gotten me through so many things even when the doctors told them I was faking and ‘nothing was wrong with me,’” reflects Keyera. “If it wasn't for them, I truly wouldn't be here.”

To help manage pain and avoid other dangerous health complications brought on by the disease, Keyera receives monthly red cell exchanges through a double lumen port implanted in her chest, which allows for easier access to her vein. The red cell exchange therapy removes units of abnormal red blood cells and replaces them with units of healthy red blood cells. To date, she has received more than 200 transfusions, made possible by generous blood donors willing to roll up a sleeve.

Sickle cell disease is most prominent in people of African descent, and one in three African American blood donors is a match for people with sickle cell, though only about 3% of eligible blood donors give each year.

During the pandemic, Keyera and her family had to take life step-by-step, holding faith that blood would eventually become available when it was in short supply for patients.

“I went a few months without getting a [blood] exchange and it was awful,” Keyera recalls of that time.

But she chooses to persevere in the face of obstacles, in honor of the many patients with sickle cell around the globe and those who have died from the disease —including her cousin, who passed at the age of 20 years old.

Now, she’s a fierce community advocate and sickle cell warrior who leverages her social media platforms to spread awareness about the disease, how it affects the lives of so many and how others can help by donating blood.

“My pain has been a lot better since receiving [monthly red cell] exchanges,” says Keyera. “I feel like I have so much more energy than before. I feel like a whole new person when I get blood.”

Black Excellence Is in Our Blood

Support Keyera and others in the fight against sickle cell disease and other conditions by rolling up a sleeve to give blood during Black History Month. To those who may be hesitant to give blood, Keyera offers, “Donating blood truly saves so many lives. I know it might seem scary, but I truly know receiving blood has saved my life.” Use the Red Cross Blood DonorApp, visit RedCrossBlood.org/OurBlood or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to schedule an appointment today.

Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma Feb. 1-29, 2024, will receive a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. Join us in elevating Black Excellence this month: Discover and support Black-owned businesses on Amazon!

Terms apply for both offers. Visit rcblood.org/heart for details.