June 19th is observed as World Sickle Cell Day. It is a day to educate the world and increase awareness about Sickle Cell Disease.
According to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,
Sickle Cell Disease is a group of blood disorders that prevent the normal flow of blood in the body because of the effect on hemoglobin withing red blood cells.
In the United States, Sickle Cell Disease is the most common inherited blood disorder, affecting the lives about about 100,000 Americans. With early diagnosis and treatment, the life expectancy of children with the disease is increasing- many living to age 50 or older. There are three different forms of the blood disease: Sickle Hemoglobin C disease, Sickle Beta Thalassemia disease, and Sickle Cell Anemia (the most common of the three). Below is a infographic by St. Jude so you can learn more about the disease.
