A Brother’s Battle with Sickle Cell Disease Inspires Others to Raise Awareness and Donate Blood

 By Dan Dowling, Regional Communications Manager

“At the time, I didn't know what sickle cell disease was. I can remember my brother always agonizing about how much pain he was in, watching him go in and out of the hospital. That process right there was very scary. That was something I'll never forget in my life.”

Shawn Pratt was too young, at the time, to understand the pain his older brother, Milton, was going through. His brother suffered with sickle cell disease and would often be in pain for days, and even weeks, at a time.

“He had a lot of energy. He was very good to be around,” said Pratt. “I can remember those bouts of when he was not going through it. You see a happy person.”

Mia Schultz with Shawn Pratt

Sickle cell disease distorts soft and round red blood cells and turns them hard and crescent shaped. As a result, blood has difficulty flowing smoothly and carrying oxygen to the rest of the body, which may lead to severe pain, tissue and organ damage, anemia, and even strokes. In the U.S., it is estimated that over 100,000 people have sickle cell disease and may require frequent blood transfusions throughout their lifetime — as many as 100 units of blood per patient each year.

Sadly, Milton passed away in 2000 due to complications from sickle cell disease. Since then, Pratt has been dedicated to sharing his brother's sickle cell story and emphasizing the importance of blood donation within the African American community. Recently, Pratt participated in Rutland's first NAACP-sponsored blood drive to support those who were donating lifesaving blood and to raise awareness about sickle cell disease.

“I’ve gotten a lot more understanding about how the disease attacks African Americans. We want to let people know that this disease is a killer, and that we need all the support that we can get. We need more people to contribute to give to give blood,” said Pratt.

One in three African American blood donors are a match for people with sickle cell disease. To help ensure patients have the blood products they need, the American Red Cross is working with partners in the Black community to grow the number of blood donors who are Black.

“None of us want to see our family members in pain. You want to continue to let them know that you're there for them, whatever they need. This disease is a horrible disease, and it takes people right out,” said Pratt.

The Sickle Cell Initiative was launched in 2021 to inspire support for patients. Since then, the number of first-time African American blood donors has increased to more than 45,000, nearly doubling the number of new donors and essentially reversing the trend of declining donors overall for this group.

Since launching the initiative, more than 138,000 sickle cell trait screenings have been provided to donors who self-identified as African American. Most recently, the Red Cross has expanded the screening to include those who self-identify as multiracial.

“We want we want people to live longer and be advocates for the people that are not able to speak for themselves. We have to get people aware and make this better for our children,” said Pratt.

The blood that runs through our veins can ease the suffering of others — and patients battling sickle cell disease need your help now. Please schedule a blood donation appointment today by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, using the Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.