KD Hall Foundation and American Red Cross to Host Sickle Cell Education and Blood Donation Event

by Lauryn Bray

On Wednesday, Sept 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., KD Hall Foundation will partner with the American Red Cross to present "Resilient Hearts: Sickle Cell Education & Blood Donation," an event dedicated to spreading awareness about sickle cell disease (SCD) and the importance of donating blood.

The event coincides with National Sickle Cell Awareness Month and will feature a community blood drive and lunchtime conversation to highlight stories of resilience from those affected by SCD.

"Sickle cell anemia is a complex, often misunderstood condition that requires continuous education and collective support," said KD Hall, cofounder of the KD Hall Foundation, in a press release. "Through this blood and education drive, we aim to not only educate but also inspire action within our community to support those battling this disease."

In addition to the blood drive, the event will include a fireside conversation with discussion topics that will focus on things like navigating the day-to-day challenges of living with SCD, recent advancements in treatment and research, and the critical role of community support and advocacy.

The KD Hall Foundation is a Seattle-based nonprofit organization that aims to provide opportunities to women and girls for economic advancement as well as personal and professional development. According to the press release, for the next 30 years, KD Hall Foundation plans to focus its mission on improving the livelihood of BIPOC girls that have been historically underrepresented and marginalized.

The American Society of Hematology estimates that SCD affects about 100,000 people in the United States and disproportionately affects individuals of African descent. According to the CDC, more than 90% of individuals with SCD are non-Hispanic Black or African American, and it is estimated that 1 in 12 African Americans carry a sickle cell gene.

Hall found out her daughter had been diagnosed with sickle cell disease the day after bringing her home from the hospital.

"It was devastating," Hall said in an interview with the Emerald last year. After this discovery, Hall started speaking out in support of sickle cell awareness and research, becoming an advocate for her daughter and for others affected by sickle cell disease.

The KD Hall Foundation's annual blood drive is a huge part of this advocacy, as those affected by SCD often require blood transfusions as part of their treatment.

To register for the event, please visit the Event Registration Link. Attendance is free and open to all.

📸 Featured Image: Eight-year-old KJ Hall, who lives with sickle cell anemia, is raising awareness and supporting others living with SCD. (Photo courtesy of KD Hall.)