ImpactLife and 100 Black Men of St. Louis partner for Juneteenth blood drive
- KSDK 5
- Jun 18
- 2 min read
The main mission of Thursday's blood drive is to help combat sickle cell disease.
ST. LOUIS — Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic blood disease in the United States and primarily affects the Black community.
That's why two groups are coming together to host a blood drive centered on the disease, which impacts thousands of people.
ImpactLife is partnering with 100 Black Men of St. Louis to combat sickle cell disease with a blood drive on Thursday, June 19. Not only is that Juneteenth, but it's also World Sickle Cell Awareness Day.
Isaac Singleton Jr. battled sickle cell disease for most of his life growing up.
"Instead of the normal round circular shape, blood cells are sickle shape, so they get clogged up in certain parts of your body. For me, it was my arms, legs and stomach and that typically would cause pain episodes," he said.
According to Singleton, the best way to treat sickle cell disease and relieve pain is through blood transfusion therapy, which is the main goal of Thursday's blood drive.
"I got blood transfusion therapy, probably monthly, growing up as a kid. Pain episodes, when I got them, I'd be hospitalized for maybe two to four weeks. Blood transfusion therapy ... reduces the likelihood of having a pain episode or another complication of sickle cell, which is a stroke," Singleton said.
Singleton, a St. Louis attorney and 100 Black Men of St. Louis parliamentarian, was cured by a bone marrow transplant in 2015. He said stories like his are why it's so important to give blood.
"You never know whose life you may be saving. I was fortunate enough to be cured of the disease, but I wouldn't be here without donors who made an impact and took a chance. So my message is: you never know whose life you may be saving," Singleton said.
The blood drive on June 19 is from 4-7 p.m. at the 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis, 4631 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis.
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