Sickle Cell Awareness Month
September…
A beautiful month.
To me the month of September is that of renewal, change, calmness, and happiness. It’s a month that is refreshing because it’s a month to restart.
The leaves begin to change colors. The weather begins to cool off from the hot Summer days. A gentle breeze begins to stir the air around you. Children have a fresh start at a new school year, they learn new information, and make new friends.
The year is winding down and people tend to relax a bit more. The holidays near and people tend to be more joyful.
This is why I love that September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month.
How fitting that a month filled with such positive energy, a month of renewal, change, and calmness is designated to bring awareness to a disease that reminds people change is needed, but hope is near.
Ways to Help the Sickle Cell Community
There are many ways to help the Sickle Cell Community. Here a few to get you started…
1. Donate Blood – Sickle Cell Patients are often given blood transfusions to help them maintain a healthy amount of “normal” red blood cells. I know from experience that one blood transfusion can make me feel so much better. It will give a few months to live life “normally” where I have the most energy I’ve ever had, and I don’t need to worry about a looming crisis for a brief time. The average blood transfusion requires about 3 pints of blood. The most requested blood type is O. If you are eligible to donate blood, please visit your local blood donation center. It won’t cost you anything. In fact you’ll get a free cookie and juice for your donation.
2. Donate Money for Research – Sickle Cell Research is unfortunately not at the top of the list when it comes to people donating to research organizations. So please research some Sickle Cells Research organizations to donate whatever you can. A little bit can go a long way and will bring us one step closer to finding a cure.
3. Volunteer at a Hospital or Clinic – You don’t need to have a special talent to offer those waiting for help during a challenging time. You can walk around a hospital or clinic and offer water bottles to “sicklers” waiting for care. You can give samples of a healthy smoothie, or healthy snack. Or simply sit with someone and offer companionship for a little while. Your small act of kindness can put a smile on someone’s face and make their day a little better.
4. Help a Loved One (or Practice Self-Care) – If you have a loved one who lives with Sickle Cell Disease there are many things you can do to make their day easier. Make sure they have easy access to fresh water, smart water is best. Do some chores for them. We often don’t have enough energy to complete a cycle of laundry, clean the floors, or cook a nutritious meal. So assisting them with household chores can be a tremendous help. And if you are the one living with Sickle Cell Disease, please take one day at a time. Show love to yourself. Practice some self-care techniques, put your feet up at the end of the day. ..the laundry can wait. Just remember to stay hydrated and eat frequently.