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MILWAUKEE (1/28/2008) - Each month, dozens of African American children and adults in our community receive monthly blood transfusions to treat their sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder which primarily affects African Americans. In these patients, red blood cells that are normally doughnut-shaped and flexible become sickle-shaped and inflexible. This makes blood flow to organs and tissues difficult. One complication of sickle cell disease is stroke. Patients with strokes require frequent blood transfusions to prevent additional strokes. Children's Hospital currently has 46 patients on the chronic transfusion program to prevent strokes and other complications related to sickle cell disease.
For the first time, BloodCenter of Wisconsin will facilitate a reunion between blood donors and the sickle cell patients who receive their donated units. More than 40 patients and nearly 170 donors have been invited to participate in this reunion. The event will take place at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at the YMCA Northside Branch, 1350 W. North Ave. in Milwaukee.
Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and BloodCenter of Wisconsin hope that this event will help bring community awareness of the need for blood donation and the impact volunteer donors have on local patient care. There also will be a blood and bone marrow drive at the YMCA from 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling (414) 937-6259. Walk-ins also are welcome.
BloodCenter of Wisconsin is the only provider of blood to hospitals in 28 Wisconsin counties including every community hospital in southeastern Wisconsin. BloodCenter of Wisconsin advances patient care by delivering life-saving solutions grounded in unparalleled medical and scientific expertise.
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