Editor’s Update: Joan Lambright sadly passed away on Aug. 10, 2023. Our hearts go out to Joan’s family and friends and to the many people she inspired.

By Alana Mauger

Monday, June 19th is an important day for celebration and awareness. It marks Juneteenth, our newest federal holiday and a day of reflection and pride that commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States.

It’s also World Sickle Day, established by the United Nations in 2008 and commemorated every June 19th to increase awareness about sickle cell disease – the most common genetic disorder in the U.S. An estimated 100,000 people in the U.S. are living with sickle cell disease, most of whom are of African and Latinx descent.

Sickle cell disease causes red blood cells to be hard and crescent-shaped – like a sickle – instead of soft and round, making it difficult for blood to flow smoothly and carry oxygen adequately to the rest of the body. Patients can experience complications like severe pain, anemia, infections, stroke and organ damage.

“Your blood cells are round and mine are sickle. When my blood sickles, it clumps together,” shared Joan Lambright, who, at age 84, is one of the oldest adults living with sickle cell disease in the U.S.

The retired Philadelphia Public School teacher says the condition causes unbearable pain, which was misunderstood throughout her childhood.

“I knew there were some days where I could run and jump like any other child, and some days I was in the bed at home, or sometimes in the hospital,” she said.

Joan credits her parents’ strength, especially her father, with helping her not only cope with, but thrive in spite of sickle cell disease. When doctors projected that she wouldn’t live beyond her teenage years, her father encouraged her to focus on living fully.

In addition to her father’s strength and optimism, blood transfusions sustained, and at times saved, her life.

“I am here because of your blood donations,” she shared.

Blood transfusions help relieve a patient’s sickle cell disease symptoms by increasing the number of healthy red blood cells in the body, helping to deliver oxygen throughout the body and unblocking blood vessels. But ensuring hospitals have an adequate supply of the major blood types – O, A, B and AB – is only part of the equation.

There are more than 600 known antigens – substances on red blood cells that help determine your blood type – some of which are unique to specific racial and ethnic groups.  Patients who require regular blood transfusions, like those with sickle cell disease, need blood that is matched more closely to reduce possible complications. Therefore, a patient is more likely to find a compatible blood match from a donor of the same race or similar ethnic group.

The Red Cross is committed to maintaining a diverse blood supply to ensure the right blood product is available at the right time. Every blood and platelet donor has an important role in meeting that need. To become a donor, schedule an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or download the free Blood Donor App.