# @americanredcross on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DBbx1APP1p3
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/72589477-americanredcross-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/15bf8dc5e3.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-10-22T17:01:02.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** American Red Cross (@americanredcross) — https://gondola.cc/americanredcross

## Caption

When Angelique was just 2 weeks old, she developed a 104-degree fever and was admitted to the hospital. Five days later, her mother received a call from the Center for Hereditary Diseases and Neonatal Sickle Cell Program of Puerto Rico, informing her that her baby had sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic blood disorder in the U.S. It often requires regular blood transfusions to help manage extreme pain and life-threatening complications. For Angelique, sickle cell crises cause fever and pain in her stomach, knees and feet.

Angelique had her first crisis at just 3 months old and needed a blood transfusion. Since then, she has been receiving blood transfusions regularly. Now at 14, Angelique understands the importance of getting them to live a "normal" life.

“I enjoy playing volleyball, drawing on my tablet, riding my bike, and doing crafts," Angelique said. "But I know that my condition impacts what I can do. For example, when I start playing volleyball, everything is fine, but as the game progresses, I get fatigued, need to drink more water, and feel tired."

For Angelique, hospital visits are a routine part of life.

“The first time Angelique stayed in the hospital, someone told me to cherish every moment because children with her condition don’t live long," said her mother, Brendaly. "That’s why every birthday is a reason to celebrate and thank God for having her here with me."

Angelique and her mother are very grateful to blood donors who share their gift of life. 

"I know my blood type is rare, and volunteer donors make a significant difference," Angelique said. "I would encourage everyone to donate, because with just one unit, you could change the life of a child, an adult or a teenager." #TeamUp4SickleCell

#GiveBlood #DonateBlood #GiveBloodSaveLives #DonateBloodSaveLives #SickleCellDisease #SickleCell #SickleCellAwareness #SickleCellWarrior

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 300
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- **Comments:** 3

## Tags

sicklecelldisease, sicklecellwarrior, sicklecellawareness, giveblood, donateblood, sicklecell, teamup4sicklecell, donatebloodsavelives, givebloodsavelives

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