Donating blood isn’t just a routine for Reginald Johnston — it’s personal. “One of the reasons why I’m glad I donate is because I have CEK negative blood that helps sickle cell patients,” Reginald said. “My cousin, who is gone now, had sickle cell. So, I know what it’s like to go through that trauma of seeing a relative hurt as a result of it.” Reginald has been donating blood since 1990. Over the years, he’s learned that his blood carries a rare antigen profile, CEK-negative, which makes him a sickle cell fighter — the closest red blood cell match for patients living with sickle cell disease who require frequent blood transfusions. That’s why donors like Reginald are so vital. His blood doesn’t just help, it heals. It brings much-needed relief to patients managing sickle cell disease, by helping them avoid adverse physical reactions from blood that is not closely matched. Blood transfusions of a close blood type match are often critical for many patients with sickle cell disea...