Sickle Cell Disease: More than just growing pains

(NAPSI) It's what every parent wishes they could do for their child: solve the impossible.

For Vesha Jamison, that journey began when doctors raised the flag that he needed blood immediately. However, the one item that could help alleviate his excruciating pain was not available. The nation was on the cusp of a blood shortage.

"Over the course of two days [waiting for blood], he got progressively worse," Vesha said.

Right now, patients of all ages needing blood face that same frightening uncertainty, as supply levels are down 25%. Back-to-back disasters and increased travel have strained the blood supply, especially for people with sickle cell disease who may rely on transfusions.

Just a Normal Kid

Dreylan, now 13 years old, has lots of energy. "And I love all sports," said Dreylan. But the pain Dreylan faces from sickle cell crises has been so severe that he has had to stay home for roughly half of the school year.

"It's like getting hit with a baseball bat," he said of the pain that floods him, leaving him unable to get out of bed sometimes.