Mother fights to bring Sickle Cell Awareness

In conjunction with Sickle Cell Awareness month in September, the Blytheville Sickle Cell Warriors will host a blood drive on Sept. 22, followed the next day by a rally and walk.

The blood drive will be held at the Greyhound Bus Station, 108 North 5th Street in Blytheville, on Friday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Lunch will be provided for all donors.

Donors may call 1-800–RED Cross (1-00-733-2767) or visit Red-CrossBlood and enter: Blytheville Community to schedule an appointment or come by the station.

The following day, Sat., Sept. 23, the Sickle Cell Awareness rally and walk at Walker Park from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The walk will begin at 1 p.m.

Everyone is encouraged to come out and enjoy a day of fun, music, and education as the Blytheville Sickle Cell Awareness organization shares information on the disease which affects so many. There will be a variety of vendors. Also, local physicians, Dr. Abraham, Dr. Andrews-Pirtle, and Dr. Ashley, will be at the rally.

Carolyn Jenkins-Herbert, a nurse practitioner, said the Sickle Cell Warriors of Blytheville organized in 2019 but due to Covid they had to take a break in events. They are excited about this year’s rally and walk during Sickle Cell Awareness month.

Herbert’s daughter, Khadijah Jenkins, 29, suffers from Sickle Cell disease. She has battled it all of her life.

“Sickle Cell is a blood disorder,” Herbert said. “The red cells clog and become half-moon shaped and sticky. When this hap-pens, it causes extreme pain. A blood transfusion is the only thing that seems to help the pain and help those suffering come out of the crisis. I have one friend who has lost eyesight due to Sickle Cell Disease.”

Herbert said Khadijah actually had a stroke at the age of four while laying in the bed at LeBonheur Children’s Hospital. She said they have spent the last three Christmases and New Year’s in the hospital.

Herbert and her daughter are very dedicated to the Sickle Cell Warriors of Blytheville, a non-profit organization, associated with the overall Sickle Cell Foundation.

“There is no cure for Sickle Cell disease at this time,” Herbert said. “Strides are being made with stem cell transplants and IV Infusions. Sickle Cell is more prominent in African Americans and Mediterraneans. Babies are tested at birth with a heel stick. Expecting mothers are also tested. Sickle Cell is often mistaken for arthritis. It is a genetic disease. If both parents have the traits, the chances increase for their children.”

Statistics show Sickle Cell disease affects approximately 100,000 Americans. SCD occurs among one out of every 365 African-American births, and one out of every 16,300 Hispanic-American births. About one in 13 Black or African-American babies is born with sickle cell trait.

Herbert encourages everyone to go get tested to give blood. More than 2,500 hospitals dispense blood every day to Sickle Cell Disease patients.

“Blood is liquid gold to those suffering from Sickle Cell Disease,” Herbert said.

Khadijah, now a mother, said she handles the disease better as an adult but it is difficult now that she is a mother. She works to try and manage the symptoms at home.

“As a child, it was difficult because I could not go out and play as long as the other kids,” Khadijah said. “Even playing too long and getting tired could make me go into a crisis.”

Herbert said it is an ongoing fight for those who have Sickle Cell Disease.

“Going from hot to cold or cold to hot or even the season change can cause a flare-up which can turn into a crisis for one who has Sickle Cell Disease,” Herbert said. “When my daughter was born, life expectancy was 14. Now it is up to 25, We can hope it continues to increase.”

Herbert said she and her daughter are always ready to reach out to anyone with information and support. She may be reached at scwarriorsba@yahoo.com or by phone at 870-623-1614.