Sickle cell anemia (uh-NEE-me-uh) is a serious disease in which the body makes sickle-shaped red blood cells. “Sickle-shaped” means that the red blood cells are shaped like a "C."
Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disease. People who have the disease inherit two copies of the sickle cell gene—one from each parent.

In the United States, sickle cell anemia affects about 70,000 people. It mainly affects African Americans.The disease occurs in about 1 out of every 500 African American births. Sickle cell anemia also affects Hispanic Americans. The disease occurs in 1 out of every 36,000 Hispanic American births.

The signs and symptoms of sickle cell anemia vary. Some people have mild symptoms. Others have very severe symptoms and often are hospitalized for treatment.
You can't prevent sickle cell anemia because it's an inherited disease. However, you can take steps to reduce its complications. 
Sickle cell anemia has no widely available cure. However, there are treatments for the symptoms and complications of the disease. Treatments include medicines, fluids, and procedures. Bone marrow transplants may offer a cure in a small number of cases.

If you have a child or teen who has sickle cell anemia, you can take steps to learn about the disease and help your child manage it.

CONTACT your local Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation for more information:

Tri County Sickle Cell Disease Association

606 South Tampa Ave Suite 7

Orlando, Florida 32805

Phone: 407 843-1818


Dr. Kimberly M. Hicks
LBS Foundation  Medical Adviser