We all should be shining our light on June 19th for World Sickle Cell Day.There are many challenges that patients, their families and caregivers experience. Officially designated, as the international awareness day, the goal is to increase public knowledge and understanding of Sickle Cell Disease. If you are asking yourself the question, "What is Sickle Cell?" or saying to yourself, "I've heard of it but, I am not sure what it means", this is the perfect time to educate yourself on the illness.

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects the red blood cells within the body. Those cells contain mostly hemoglobin S, which is an abnormal type of hemoglobin. Some of the red cells have a crescent or sickle shape, hence the name sickle cell. Complications stem from the disease, when cells have difficulty passing through small blood vessels. Tissues and organs can become damaged when those areas receive less amounts of blood.

In our bodies, hemoglobin is the main substance of the red blood cells. It helps to carry the oxygen from the air in our lungs to every area in the body. For many, having hemoglobin A, is considered the normal red blood cells.

So why is World Sickle Cell Day so important? It's important because, there is a greater need of knowledge and education of the disease throughout our communities. This international day is recognized in hopes that the world will see and understand that sickle cell disease deserves attention just like any other disease. The Sickle cell community is in need of more research, more donations, more medications, more clinics and more time to be dedicated to advancing a cure.

The Sickle Cell Association of America is inviting everyone around the nation and globe to host or to hold a gathering to shine the light on sickle cell disease.

For more information, visit http://www.sicklecelldisease.org for more details