Sickle Cell Patient Explains the Importance of Blood Donations
ABC Columbia to Host Blood Drive Soon
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) – The American Red Cross is beginning the new year with an urgent need for blood donors.
The organization says it’s holiday season blood drives left them nearly 37,000 donations short of their goal. For sickle cell patients like Lorraine Bowman, blood donations could be a matter of life or death.
According to the Red Cross, Lorraine is one of about 80,000 Americans who suffer from sickle cell anemia, a blood disorder that has no cure but its side effects can be lessened by receiving blood transfusions.
Getting blood transfusions has been a lifelong routine for Bowman. She’s been battling sickle cell since she was born and she says she’s grateful for the red cross and it’s donors.
“The Red Cross is dear to my heart and the people who donate. It’s a privilege, it’s a gift,” said Bowman.
You can help Bowman and others who need blood by joining ABC Columbia and iHeartMedia as we team up with The Red Cross for our annual New Year’s Blood Drive. It will be held Tuesday, January 10th from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Stop by The Plex at The Village at Sandhill to donate blood and help save a life.
