# @americanredcross on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/C222ckfMJX7
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/72591040-americanredcross-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/96cfa0185f.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-02-02T19:35:33.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** American Red Cross (@americanredcross) — https://gondola.cc/americanredcross

## Caption

“I feel like a whole new person when I get blood.”

Keyera Jennings was diagnosed with sickle cell disease at the age of 5. This genetic blood disorder distorts red blood cells and prevents them from flowing smoothly and carrying oxygen to the rest of the body. When these red blood cells get stuck in the blood vessels and block blood flow, the result is a pain crisis.

She was also diagnosed with avascular necrosis (AVN) just five years later, a serious complication of sickle cell disease that causes the deterioration of bones due to lack of blood supply. Doctors told her she would need both hips replaced, which meant learning how to walk all over again at 10 years old. Those years were challenging — nothing could have prepared her for the excruciating pain she felt as child and into adulthood — but her parents have been by her side every step of her journey.

“My parents have gotten me through so many things even when the doctors told them I was faking and ‘nothing was wrong with me,’” Keyera said. “If it wasn't for them, I truly wouldn't be here.”

To help manage pain and avoid other dangerous health complications brought on by sickle cell disease, Keyera receives monthly red cell exchanges through a port implanted in her chest, where units of abnormal red blood cells are removed and replaced with units of healthy red blood cells. To date, Keyera has received more than 200 transfusions, made possible by generous blood donors. But there was a time when she had to go without.

During the pandemic, Keyera had to take life day by day, holding faith that blood would eventually become available since it was in short supply for patients.

“I went a few months without getting a [blood] exchange and it was awful,” Keyera said.

Today, she’s a fierce community advocate and sickle cell warrior who spreads awareness about the disease, how it affects the lives of so many and how others can help by donating blood.

“My pain has been a lot better since receiving [monthly red cell] exchanges,” Keyera said. “I feel like I have so much more energy than before.” #TeamUp4SickleCell

#DonateBlood #GiveBlood #SickleCellDisease #SickleCell #SickleCellAwareness #SickleCellWarrior

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## Tags

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

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