Sickle Cell is a genetic disease that causes one's red blood cells to be shaped like a crescent moon rather than an oval. These blood cells have a very short lifespan and are often non-pliable and sticky. Therefore, they often don't flow through blood vessels easily, causing significant blood clots throughout one's body.

Growing up with someone with the disease, I have always wondered what it is like to be affected by something that not many people discuss. Often, individuals struggling with more prevalent diseases such as cancer and diabetes, tend to get more publicity and support. Although these diseases are indisputably important, I believe it is also important to shed some light on diseases, such as sickle cell, that continue to affect many individuals yet don't get lots of publicity due to their lack of popularity.

Often, individuals with the disease go through the process of frequent blood work and transfusions. This process consists of the use of needles that are placed in the arm vein of the patient.

This process can be very painful for sickle cell patients as it is not very easy for nurses to find said veins. To combat this, vein viewers have been created that essentially shine a special kind of light called near-infrared light (NIR) on the body and analyze how the light bounces back from the tissue nearby. It then shows a picture of the body in real time that makes the veins stand out. Such a mechanism allows for a clear map of the patient's veins, promoting much more effective and clean punctures.

Our goal is to raise enough money so that UMASS has a sufficient amount of these vein viewers to serve its patients. Having sickle cell anemia, let alone having to go through frequent blood work and transfusions-- concerning any disease--, is not easy. It is our job as supporters to make sure that such processes are as smooth and effective as possible. With your help, we can make this vision a reality, and make the lives of these individuals just a little bit sweeter than before.

Join our initiative to raise $3000 to support these heroes!