Sickle Cell Partners of the Carolinas

What is Sickle Cell Disease? Sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder affecting between 70,000 and 100,000 Americans. The disease causes red blood cells, which are normally disc-shaped and pliable, to become misshapen, stiff and sticky. Severe pain crises occur periodically in people living with sickle cell disease when these sickled red blood cells hinder proper blood flow.

Sickle Cell Partners of the Carolinas is a non-profit 501c (3) tax exempt organization that exists to “partner” with any organization that is working to make a difference in the lives of patients and families affected by Sickle Cell Anemia. Sickle Cell Partners of the Carolinas was formed in January of 2009. It was at that time that patients, families and members of the medical community came together informally to meet and discuss ideas involving care and support in the Sickle Cell community. From there, Sickle Cell Partners of the Carolinas came into being and is an organization that consists of patients of all ages – families, caregivers, healthcare workers, social workers and an at large community that cares deeply about those affected by Sickle Cell Anemia. From the beginning, the organization has sought ways to make Sickle Cell Anemia and other inherited blood disorders health conditions that become a part of the medical dialogue in our homes, in our schools and in the community. Sickle Cell Partners of the Carolinas seek to provide a network of support for patients and families affected by Sickle Cell Anemia; to raise awareness and educate the community; and to advocate for a cure. Sickle Cell Partners of the Carolinas envision a world that will one day be free of Sickle Cell Anemia and other related inherited blood disorders. As a form of support, Sickle Cell Partners of the Carolinas has delivered gift baskets to Levine Children’s Hospital to be distributed to parents or caregivers who are in the hospital with their child. Their hope is that these hospitality items will be useful to parents or caregivers when they are in the hospital. They have partnered with organizations for some wonderful events that families can take part in to include, a game night/family fun night, back to school informational sessions, blood donation and bone marrow match drives.

SCPOC operates on the three values of Awareness, Support, and Cure. They work to bring awareness to the cause of Sickle Cell disease, support to the patients and families affected, and to advocate for a cure of Sickle Cell Disease. Blood donation is important for SCPOC because it helps patients to process through crises when transfusions are required. More African-American and Latino blood donors are needed especially to save lives in the community that are affected by this disease.