As an adolescent, Sharon was diagnosed with sickle cell disease. She has coped for more than 30 years with the disease’s effects, including joint and chest problems and low hemoglobin. She has needed many transfusions, a complete red-cell exchange on one occasion, and surgery to address deterioration of a hip joint.

Further complicating her situation, Sharon has developed many specific antibodies that increase her chances of transfusion reactions and, as an African-American, she has red cell markers specific to that ethnic group.

Fortunately, Sharon’s sister Jeannine was found to have blood that meets Sharon’s needs perfectly. When Sharon’s hemoglobin dropped dangerously low during a recent hospitalization, it was restored to acceptable levels with blood transfusions. “I thank God – and my sister – that blood transfusions were able to save my life,” Sharon says.

© Michigan Community Blood Centers