Turning compassion into action to help fellow Sickle Cell Warriors

Passion, Passion, Passion!

Jason Moore exudes passion as he talks about Sickle Cell Warriors of Buffalo.

The vice president of the non-profit explains that “Sickle Cell Disease is the most commonly inherited disease in the world.”

Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body; in Sickle Cell Disease, the red blood cells are mutated into a crescent or sickle-shaped form, and therefore cannot carry enough oxygen to the tissues and organs of the body – potentially leading to anemia, and tissue and organ damage. This often requires regular blood transfusions to manage extreme pain and life-threatening complications.

Jason explained that having Sickle Cell disease is a lonely life. Each patient presents with different symptoms, requiring treatment to be adjusted accordingly. Jason is happy to have wonderful providers in Buffalo to manage his care.

Jason and and his colleague, Sickle Cell Warriors of Buffalo president Juanita McClain experienced their journey side-by-side while undergoing treatments at Children’s Hospital, and at specialized camps for children living with Sickle Cell. Their care when they were younger was overseen by social workers. When they “aged out” around 21 years of age, there was no one to guide their care. They came to realize how helpful their social workers were and how much they did for them. Thus, the idea for Sickle Cell Warriors of Buffalo was born.

Sickle Cell Warriors of Buffalo programs include Education to the Community, Transitions – a program to assist teens and parents in moving into adult medical care, Care Coordination – assisting adults in finding qualified practitioners, and Support Groups for Warriors and their families.

On Jason’s good days, he states that he accomplishes so much. He’s a Community Health Worker assisting others along their journey, while guiding the Transitions participants. But on other days, he is in pain and exhausted. However, he appreciates what goodness will come about and knows there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  Optimistic and passionate!

This Sickle Cell Awareness Month and year-round, you can help support Jason’s work and Sickle Cell patients just like him in your community, by making an appointment to roll up a sleeve and donate lifesaving blood. Visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-REDCROSS or download the free RedCross Blood Donor app to make an appointment nearest you.

 Written by: Ginny Scott, American Red Cross of WNY Communications Volunteer