Latest news with #sicklecell
CBS News
16 hours ago
- Health
- CBS News
Families of those with sickle cell disease in Philadelphia area hope and advocate for a cure
Three-year-old Kaliph Eubanks is full of happy energy playing at the park in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. He also has sickle cell disease. Thursday marked World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, which focuses on supporting families and encouraging more research on the most common genetic disorder in the United States. "He looks normal one minute and then the next, something is wrong," Kaliph's mom, Antoinelle Whitmore, said. "You're always on the edge. You never know." Whitmore said her son has a mild case of the genetic disorder, which causes blood cells to become sickle-shaped. The cells then pile up and prevent oxygen delivery around the body, causing debilitating pain. Zemoria Brandon lost her husband to sickle cell disease. Now she works with Philadelphia's Sickle Cell Disease Association, which is raising awareness by lighting buildings in red this week. CBS News Philadelphia "It does affect people of African, Caribbean, Latino ancestry in the greatest numbers. But there are other groups … that are also affected in smaller percentages. So we just want to make sure that people know …it has a global impact," Brandon said. "The research is ongoing, and we're looking and hoping for a universal cure," Brandon said. Kaliph's mom said he's lucky so far to have only needed one blood transfusion. She lives in fear, but she's hopeful more awareness and research will lead to better treatments that are more accessible "I want him to reach for the stars. I want him to be his true authentic self," she said. "I want him to be the vibrant person he is now and not let anything hold him back." For people with severe cases of sickle cell disease, there are bone marrow transplants, and CHOP has developed a gene therapy.
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Health
- News.com.au
Jourdan Dunn donates blood and calls for more black heritage donors
Model Jourdan Dunn has highlighted the need for more black heritage donors to come forward to give blood – as she provided a blood donation herself. Dunn, known for appearing on the catwalks of London, Paris and New York, attended the capital's newest blood donation centre in Brixton, south London, to mark World Sickle Cell Day. Dunn's teenage son Riley is one of the country's 13,000 sickle cell patients who rely on blood transfusions from black heritage donors so they can live with the condition.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Jourdan Dunn donates blood and calls for more black heritage donors
Model Jourdan Dunn has highlighted the need for more black heritage donors to come forward to give blood – as she provided a blood donation herself. Dunn, known for appearing on the catwalks of London, Paris and New York, attended the capital's newest blood donation centre in Brixton, south London, to mark World Sickle Cell Day. Dunn's teenage son Riley is one of the country's 13,000 sickle cell patients who rely on blood transfusions from black heritage donors so they can live with the condition. Sickle cell is the country's fastest-growing inherited blood disorder that disproportionately affects black African and black Caribbean communities, according to the NHS. Around 250 babies are born with the condition in the UK each year. The service currently needs to recruit 16,000 new black heritage blood donors this year to meet the growing need. Regular blood transfusions form the first line of defence against the condition, with patients responding best to donations containing the Ro blood type, which is significantly more prevalent in donors of black heritage. More than half (56%) of donors of black heritage are likely to have the Ro blood type, compared with just 2.4% of other ethnicities. Dunn, 34, said: 'As a mother who has seen her child battle sickle cell, I am committed to doing all I can to help him, and the thousands of other people with the condition, have the best chance to live a full and healthy life. 'That's why I've come to Brixton to give blood and ask the black community to register to do the same. 'By giving an hour of your time three to four times a year, you can save up to 12 lives – that's an amazing power you have in your hands. 'I'm incredibly thankful to the record numbers of black donors who have given blood in Brixton and across the country, but as numbers of sickle cell patients increase, so too does the need for more donors to come forward. NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) director of donor experience Mark Chambers said: 'We've seen a great response to our calls for more black heritage donors to sign up to become blood donors, but the need for more to register and become regular blood donors is growing. 'Blood transfusions to pre-empt sickle cell crises are helping more people live well with the condition, but on average we need 250 donations a year to help them, that's why it's vitally important we recruit more black heritage donors. 'Jourdan's support, both as an NHS ambassador and a donor, will hopefully encourage others to follow her lead and spare an hour of their time to make a lifesaving difference.' Sickle cell patient Calvin Campbell said: 'I owe my life to the generosity of black heritage donors. 'Every four weeks I need to have 10 to 12 units of blood transfused into my body to allow me to be relatively healthy. 'Without those blood donations I would have died years ago and not have the life I have now. 'I wouldn't have had children, grandchildren, and the ability to work.' Those wanting to donate blood can register via the NHSBT app, visit or call 0300 123 23 23.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Jourdan Dunn donates blood and calls for more black heritage donors
Model Jourdan Dunn has highlighted the need for more black heritage donors to come forward to give blood – as she provided a blood donation herself. Dunn, known for appearing on the catwalks of London, Paris and New York, attended the capital's newest blood donation centre in Brixton, south London, to mark World Sickle Cell Day. Dunn's teenage son Riley is one of the country's 13,000 sickle cell patients who rely on blood transfusions from black heritage donors so they can live with the condition. Sickle cell is the country's fastest-growing inherited blood disorder that disproportionately affects black African and black Caribbean communities, according to the NHS. Around 250 babies are born with the condition in the UK each year. The service currently needs to recruit 16,000 new black heritage blood donors this year to meet the growing need. Regular blood transfusions form the first line of defence against the condition, with patients responding best to donations containing the Ro blood type, which is significantly more prevalent in donors of black heritage. More than half (56%) of donors of black heritage are likely to have the Ro blood type, compared with just 2.4% of other ethnicities. Dunn, 34, said: 'As a mother who has seen her child battle sickle cell, I am committed to doing all I can to help him, and the thousands of other people with the condition, have the best chance to live a full and healthy life. 'That's why I've come to Brixton to give blood and ask the black community to register to do the same. 'By giving an hour of your time three to four times a year, you can save up to 12 lives – that's an amazing power you have in your hands. 'I'm incredibly thankful to the record numbers of black donors who have given blood in Brixton and across the country, but as numbers of sickle cell patients increase, so too does the need for more donors to come forward. NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) director of donor experience Mark Chambers said: 'We've seen a great response to our calls for more black heritage donors to sign up to become blood donors, but the need for more to register and become regular blood donors is growing. 'Blood transfusions to pre-empt sickle cell crises are helping more people live well with the condition, but on average we need 250 donations a year to help them, that's why it's vitally important we recruit more black heritage donors. 'Jourdan's support, both as an NHS ambassador and a donor, will hopefully encourage others to follow her lead and spare an hour of their time to make a lifesaving difference.' Sickle cell patient Calvin Campbell said: 'I owe my life to the generosity of black heritage donors. 'Every four weeks I need to have 10 to 12 units of blood transfused into my body to allow me to be relatively healthy. 'Without those blood donations I would have died years ago and not have the life I have now. 'I wouldn't have had children, grandchildren, and the ability to work.' Those wanting to donate blood can register via the NHSBT app, visit or call 0300 123 23 23.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Love Island hunk opens up on devastating family tragedy that saw fit and healthy cousin die ‘out of the blue'
A LOVE Island hunk has revealed a devastating family tragedy which saw his fit and healthy cousin die 'out of the blue'. Konnor Ewudzi, 29, entered ITV2 dating show last year - but he failed to find a meaningful connection. 5 5 5 Konnor revealed how his "whole family impacted by sickle cell disorder - sickle cell." This is a genetic condition affecting the red blood cells. He shared: 'My cousin, Alexander was born with sickle cell. He died at just 28, out of the blue. "He had just graduated from Cambridge University as an architect. "He was not sick or suffering any long term illnesses – his organs just gave up one day. "It is so sad that this can rob us of such beautiful lives at such young ages. "Testing is so key. And blood giving even more so.' People born with sickle cell have two parents carrying the "trait" - hence why such importance is placed on testing. The cells develop into a crescent shape and can cause blockages of the blood vessels. In turn, this can lead to pain and potential organ damage. Love Island fans spot secret feud between two boys after 'snakey move' Konnor added: 'For me, I am on one of the lucky ones. My Dad (Godfrey) carries the trait, so does my Sister Billie-May. "My Mum Siobhan is mixed race, and she didn't carry the trait, which is why I am so fortunate. "But my Auntie Freda, Uncle Richard and late Cousin Alexander, were not so lucky. "They suffered terribly growing up, with hospital visits and blood transfusions required to help them with their pain and suffering.' His dad, Godfrey, added: 'Seeing the way it has affected Freda, my Brother Richard and the sad loss of my late nephew, Alexander, is just heartbreaking. We just want to help more people avoid what we went through if possible.' Konnor assembled his close family for a photo shoot at Abbey Wood estate - a filming location for superhero drama Supacell. The Netflix programme follows a group of five ordinary black people - united by a family history of sickle cell disease. Regarding the show, Konnor said: "The series did an amazing job of highlighting the condition to the public, but there is so much more people need to know." He continued 'One blood unit or donation which takes 20 mins can help up to three patients – so it really is an incredibly easy way to help sickle cell sufferers. "There are blood donation centres all over the UK so we are hoping the numbers go up after sharing our personal stories.' WHAT IS SICKLE CELL DISEASE? SICKLE cell disease is a genetic condition that prevents red blood cells from developing properly. The cells can become abnormally shaped and die quicker than healthy blood cells, raising the risk of clots or blood vessel blockages. Most people live normal lives with the condition but it can trigger flare-ups called sickle cell crises, when symptoms become painful and may lead to complications. Signs include: Dizziness Pain Tiredness and weakness Headaches Shortness of breath Patients with sickle cell disorders are also at higher risk of infections, anaemia (low blood iron), gallstones, stroke, high blood pressure and kidney problems. There is no definitive cure for sickle cell disease and many patients require treatment throughout their lives. An estimated 15,000 people in England have it and it is more common in black people. John James OBE, Chief Executive of the Sickle Cell Society said: 'Sickle cell disorder is the UK's fastest growing genetic condition, but people living with it still face too much silence and too little support. "That's why we're asking people to 'Tell It Loud' this World Sickle Cell Day — by sharing their story, giving blood, and getting MPs to support better employment rights for people living with the condition. "We're so grateful to Konnor for sharing his story and helping us shine a light on sickle cell and the urgent need for more action, more awareness and more black heritage blood donors.' For more information on Sickle Cell, head to 5
