A Warrior Named Angelique

At fourteen years old, Angelique understands the importance of getting regular blood transfusions to live a 'normal' life. "I enjoy playing volleyball, drawing on my tablet, riding my bike, and doing crafts. But I know that 'my condition' impacts what I can do. For example, when I start playing volleyball, everything is fine, but as the game progresses, I get fatigued, need to drink more water, and feel tired," says Angelique Delgado from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.

She has sickle cell disease, the most common genetic blood disorder in the U.S. that can require regular blood transfusions to help manage extreme pain and life-threatening complications. For Angelique, these crises cause fever and pain in her stomach, knees and feet.

Her first sickle cell crisis

When Angelique was just two weeks old, she developed a fever of 104 degrees and was admitted to the hospital. Initially, doctors suspected meningitis and treated her for an infection. However, five days later, her mother, Brendaly, received a call from the Center for Hereditary Diseases and Neonatal Sickle Cell Program of Puerto Rico, informing her that her newborn had sickle cell disease.

"Angelique had her first crisis at three months old. She had swollen fingers (dactylitis), a symptom of poor blood circulation in the extremities, and needed a blood transfusion. Since then, she has been receiving blood transfusions every two to three months," says Dr. Maribel García Colón, Angelique's pediatric hematologist since she was nine months old and the medical director of the American Red Cross for Puerto Rico and the Southern Caribbean region.

Last year, Angelique's medical team discovered that the disease was damaging the arteries in her brain, so she now receives blood transfusions every five weeks to prevent a stroke.

"Angelique receives these monthly transfusions because they provide more stability by preventing severe pain, and she also spends less time in the hospital," says Brendaly. Angelique agrees with her mother, recalling that her last transfusion, which happened less than a month ago, left her feeling very relieved. "Thanks to the transfusions, I no longer have as many crises. They have helped me a lot. Now I have more energy and don't feel as tired," she said.

Making the most of everyday

For Angelique, hospital visits are a routine part of life, "It's like visiting my grandparents' house. I trust the nurse a lot; for me, it's a familiar and friendly place," she says.

A few days ago, Angelique celebrated her 14th birthday with dinner at her favorite restaurant and a planned trip to New York with her family. Her excitement is mirrored by her mother's. "The first time Angelique stayed in the hospital; someone told me to cherish every moment because children with her condition don't live long. That's why every birthday is a reason to celebrate and thank God for having her here with me," said Brendaly.

How to help

September is National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month, a condition that affects over 100,000 people in the United States, predominantly in Black and African American and Latino communities. Blood donations are crucial to meet the red blood cell needs of patients like Angelique, who rely on transfusions to stay alive.

"I am very grateful to blood donors because I know my blood type is rare, and volunteer donors make a significant difference. I would encourage everyone to donate because with just one pint you could change the life of a child, an adult, or a teenager," says Angelique.

This September, which also marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Red Cross is calling on everyone to contribute to its mission to save lives by rolling up their sleeves. You can find make an appointment by visiting Redcrossblood.org.

"What a better way to celebrate our heritage and contribution than by sharing the gift of life with those in need," says Dr. García Colón, adding that "60% of Hispanic people have blood type O, the most transfused blood type, which can make a difference for patients in need."

To say thanks, all who come to give blood Sept. 16-30 will get a $15 e-gift card. See RedCrossBlood.org/Fallfor details. All who come to give blood in October will get a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email and a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. See details at RedCrossBlood.org/Treat.

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