Story told by: Nick Gibson  

“We use Sickle Cell Awareness Month to educate, empower the ones that are going through it, and celebrate the ones who are still here fighting.”  

Mario Jenkins is a Blood Distribution Manager for the American Red Cross of South Carolina Region. 

In the U.S., it is estimated that over 100,000 people have sickle cell disease and may require frequent blood transfusions throughout their lifetime.  

Mario is a Sickle Cell Warrior and says he was diagnosed with the disease at the age of three, he’s now 50 years old. 

Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic blood disorder in the U.S., and regular blood transfusions are critical to manage extreme pain and life-threatening complications. 

“Back then, there wasn’t any kind of medical treatment or technology that we see today. When I was around three, my mother told me that I would just always cry as a baby,” said Mario. “She and my dad took me to the doctor, and they ran some tests they came back and said I had Sickle Cell Disease. The doctors basically told them to prepare for the worst because I probably won’t be here past 18.” 

Mario is in the midst of a sickle cell pain crisis—a common symptom for warriors that can occur without warning. It is believed that a crisis occurs when the cells change shape and block blood vessels, which leads to reduced oxygen availability to the tissues served by that vessel and inflammation. 

“Basically, the best way to explain it is excruciating pain in your bones and joints. It’s where my blood doesn’t receive the adequate amount of oxygen to keep my red blood cells in the normal shape,” said Mario.  

As a Blood Distribution Manager, Mario takes his job very seriously because he understands the need for blood and the impact on patients.  

“My department is in control of all the blood products that the Red Cross holds for all the hospitals that are in the South Carolina area,” said Mario. “My primary objective is to make sure we send in all of the blood products needed to our hospitals to take care of our patients. That’s something that I’ve always felt proud of doing.” 

Mario hosts an annual blood drive at the Columbia Red Cross office to encourage people to donate.  

“It started out just for recognition for me, for one being a sickle cell patient, and for being with the American Red Cross organization,” said Mario. “I think the region really wanted to kind of celebrate me and my strength in a sense by doing the one thing that could help sickle cell patients in the community which is collecting lifesaving blood. The key for my drive is to try to convince more African Americans and diverse cultures to come donate.” 

In the midst of Sickle Cell Awareness Month, Hurricane Helene has canceled blood drives throughout the Southeast, causing more than 1,500 blood donations to go uncollected, and we are urging those in unaffected areas to help rebuild this critically needed supply.

Patients battling sickle cell disease need your help now. Please schedule a blood donation appointment today by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, using the Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.