SEATTLE — Community members living with sickle cell disease and their loved ones are calling people to consider donating blood and becoming more educated on the sickness.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 11, people are encouraged to donate blood at the "Resilient Hearts: Sickle Cell Education & Blood Donation" drive.
The KD Hall Foundation is hosting the event at 2100 24th Ave S., 2B, Seattle.
Registration is recommended and can be completed here.
"Sickle cell disease is a complex, often misunderstood condition that requires continuous education and collective support," said KD Hall, co-founder at the KD Hall Foundation. "Through this event, we aim to not only educate but also inspire action within our community to support those battling this disease."
Hall is also the mother of a sickle cell warrior.
Sickle cell disease affects the hemoglobin within your red blood cells, according to the Clevland Clinic. A genetic mutation causes abnormal hemoglobin to clump together, causing the red blood cells to turn sickle shaped. These sickle-shaped cells cause blockages in your blood flow, which can lead to anemia, pain, infections and severe complications.
The local sickle cell task force leader and sickle cell warrior, Ken West, joined Hall on KING 5 Mornings on Sunday to talk about how impactful a blood donation can be for someone.
To see the full interview - click the video player above.
The Sept. 11 event will also feature a "Lunchtime Conversation Panel" from noon to 1 p.m., which will feature messages from individuals living with sickle cell disease