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The Blood Center of Wisconsin saves lives, and the lives of countless patients have been positively impacted by the center, people like Darrell, one of the first individuals to be cured of sickle cell anemia by a bone marrow transplant. People of African descent are not the only group affected by sickle cell anemia, an inherited blood disease. But the disease occurs in about one in every 600 African American births.
Residents who may be affected are encouraged to check into the Blood Center's outreach programs, as well as to be a blood donor. Sickle cell anemia is a serious disease, but doctors know what causes it, what it does to your body and how to treat many of the complications. With good health care, many people with the disease can live fairly normal lives.
Blood drives are held throughout the year at various locations. Call 1-877-BE-A-HERO (1-877-232-4376) for dates and places or to make an appointment at the downtown Blood Center at 638 N. 18th St.
You may also make your blood donation appointment online for any of the 12 donor centers throughout Wisconsin at www.bcw.edu.
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