SICKLE CELL
AND THE BLACK COMMUNITY BY KRISTIN BROWN, SOPHOMORE, COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO
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ANY DISEASES AFFECT THE BLACK COMMUNITY, BUT NONE MORE THAN SICKLE CELL ANEMIA. Sickle cell anemia is a hereditary form of anemia in which the hemoglobin of the blood forms sickle or crescent shapes and passes through the veins, according to cdc.gov. The cells have a hard time passing through veins, which in turn deliver less oxygen to the body’s tissues. People who suffer from the disease have long bouts of pain. Some long-term effects are blindness, ulcers, infections, arthritis and delayed growth.
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Despite this, doctors are making progress toward properly treating people with the disease. In 2002, the mortality rate of sickle cell anemia sufferers dropped to 42 percent, according to the US National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health. Sickle cell anemia patients are on a daily regimen of medications, supplements, pain medications, fluids and antibiotics. They are also given blood transfusions as needed, treated for organ failure, bone marrow or stem cell transfusions and vaccines which reduce their risk of infections. According to Anquineice Brown of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Illinois,
Although the disease affects people of all races, sickle cell anemia is more prevalent in African-Americans. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every 500 African-American babies born carry the sickle cell trait. What this means is that if a person carries the trait and they have a child with another person who also carries the trait, their child will be born with sickle cell anemia. As a result of this, every one in twelve African-Americans have sickle cell anemia. The disease is not a result of poor eating habits or lifestyle; it is simply a result of genetics. The gene is passed from generation to generation.
“There are support groups available in Chicago, as well as community monthly support groups.” The association is located on 8100 S. Western Ave., and their national website can be accessed at sicklecelldisease.org. Although you may not have the disease, it affects you in more ways than you know. You could potentially be a carrier of the trait, which raises the possibility that your child can have the disease. Your niece, nephew, cousin, friend, someone you know may have the disease. Be informed. TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 45