Dajuante
September 29, 2021
About 100,000 Americans are impacted by Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). It’s an inherited red blood cell disorder that causes red blood cells to become hard, sticky and sickle-shaped, rather than round and flexible. This makes it difficult for the cells to move throughout the body through the blood vessels and can actually block them, leading to serious pain and other complications.
Dajuante has been battling sickle cell throughout his life. To him, it’s a blood disease that’s resulted in several hospitalizations and blood transfusions. Blood transfusions can help SCD patients manage symptoms. The only known cure is a blood stem cell transplant.
“I think the reason I can stand here and be happy and smile and say all those things is because I have a strong support system,” said Dajuante. “As far as my family, you know, very supportive, anything I need, anybody to talk to, you know, always have someone there no matter what it’s for.”
His message to others battling sickle cell is simple: “Keep fighting. Don’t ever give up.”