Aunisty

Aunisty loves to read and play with her Barbie dolls, just like other five-year old girls. One difference between her and other little girls is that at one week old, Aunisty was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Anemia. Patients with Sickle Cell can lead a fairly normal life, except that they must always be aware that they are vulnerable. For instance, a cold for Aunisty is like pneumonia for the rest of us, and she cannot play as hard as other kids.

Most patients who suffer from Sickle Cell will require frequent blood transfusions to help ease the pain caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood. Sickle Cell produces chronic anemia, which can become life threatening. Repeated crises can lead to kidney, lung, bone, liver or central nervous system damage. According to the Center for Disease Control, Sickle Cell Disease affects three in every 1,000 African-American newborns. Those infants are then at an increased risk for illness and mortality in the first three years of life. Fortunately Aunisty, who celebrates her birthday in July at her home in Hayward, has already beaten those odds. Regular blood donations help maintain a safe blood supply, and a safe blood supply helps secure a brighter future for kids like Aunisty.