By Patrice Rivers

Many diseases such as diabetes, cancer, endometriosis, heart disease and others are well-known, but what about Sickle Cell Disease?

Among other diseases, Sickle Cell Disease is overlooked in so many ways that many communities aren’t aware what it actually is.

SCD is a genetic blood disorder that leaves the red blood cells abnormal. Instead of normal doughnut-shaped cells, a person with this disease has cells shaped like a “banana” or a “sphere” shape. When these cells get stuck together, they clog up arteries and the airways, causing loss of oxygen and pain in the joints and chest. The only difference with this disease is that unlike cancer or heart disease, SCD is genetically inherited, meaning one is born with this disease. Not everyone can inherit this disease. Both parents must have the sickle cell trait in order for a child to inherit the full-blown disease.

SCD affects different ethnic origins and races. It is a shame that this disease has gone invisible because of the lack of awareness and education in communities. This isn’t just an “African-American” disease; it affects other races as well. Every September, lots of Sickle Cell Associations and organizations have different fundraising events and walk to help raise money for new medicine and research as well as to plan new events and workshops to help get the word out.

Did you know that SCD occurs in one out of every 365 African-American births in America as well as Hispanic births?

Some of the symptoms are:

• Trouble breathing
• Pale skin color
• Yellow skin and whites of the eyes which is called jaundice
• Painful swelling of the hands and feet
• Fatigue
• Fast heart rate

Many of the communities have free screenings as well to perform a diagnostic test. Because of the technology we have now, babies are screened at birth for testing. Although there isn’t an actual cure for Sickle Cell Disease, it can be treated with medication. There is also a bone marrow transplant that has been performed in young children, which can be very risky. People living with this disease are exposed to strokes, gallstones, bacterial infections, eye disease and anemia.

Just like we are educated and supporting other diseases, we should also educate ourselves more on SCD and how we can support the cause. Even though September is Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month, it shouldn’t be only be commemorated for that particular month but acknowledged all the time.

I have SCD, and my parents found out that I was diagnosed with it when I was 1 year old. As a child, I battled with pain in my back and chest. I suffered three major pain crises during which I almost died, the last one at the age of 12. Since then I haven’t suffered from any more pain crises and things seem to be doing well for me.

I encourage and challenge you for the rest of September to educate yourselves on SCD; what it is, who it affects and how you can support the cause in your community. Volunteer at your local SCD chapter or visit the SCD national website at www.sicklecelldisease.org to donate. There is always an opportunity to volunteer and show your SCD support!

Patrice Rivers is an author, freelance writer and blogger. You can visit her blog at www.thatriverzgurlmedia.com and her website at www.patricerivers.com. Follow her on Instagram @patriceriverswrites.