USC coach and Aflac bring smiles to sickle cell patients at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Around 100,000 people in the United States suffer from sickle cell disease according to the CDC. 

The inherited blood disorder impacts delivery of oxygen to tissues.

In the US, 90 percent of cases impact the black community.

Thursday afternoon, USC women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley gave back to the community by visiting Prisma Health Children’s Hospital.

Sickle cell patients received a My Special Duck by Aflac, a stuffed companion that can do several things.

The duck helps comfort children going through cancer or sickle cell treatment.

Coach Staley passed out the ducks and took photos with the kids.

Staley says that sickle cell disease hits close to home, having lost a cousin to the disease.