A Sista Gurl Living With Sickle Cell Anemia: Bone Marrow Transplant Centers for Sickle Cell Patients

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Bone Marrow Transplant Centers for Sickle Cell Patients

1. Atlanta, GA: Emory University and Grady Memorial Hospital aplatt@emory.edu
2. Augustin, GR: University of Bonn
3. Birmingham, UK: The Birmingham Children's Hospital NHS
4. Boston, MA: Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Children's Hospital, Harvard University, Boston Comprehensive Sickle Center
5. Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina
6. Chicago, IL: University of Illinois
7. Columbia, NC: Richland Memorial Hospital
8. Creteil FR: Hospital Henri Mondor
9. Dallas, TX: University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
10. Denver, CO: University of Colorado, Sickle Cell Research & Treatment Center
11. Durham, NC: Duke University
12. Gainesville, FL: University of Florida; Shands Teaching Hospital
13. Hackensack, NY: Hackensack Medical Center
14. Houston, TX: MD Anderson Cancer, University of Texas
15. Indianapolis, IN: Indiana University
16. London, UK: Royal Postgraduate Medical School; Hammersmith Hospital
17. Los Angeles, CA: University of Southern California, Children's Hospital of LA
18. Memphis TN - Paul Woodard, MD Hematology/Oncology Division of Stem Cell Transplantation St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis, TN 38105-2794,~ (901) 495-4239 Fax (901) 521-9005
19. Miami, FL: University of Southern Florida
20. Milwaukee, WI: Medical College of Wisconsin, Midwest Children's Cancer Center
21. New Haven, CT: Yale University
22. New Orleans, LA: Tulane University
23. New York, NY: Methodist Hospital
24. Oakland, CA: Children's Hospital of Oakland
25. Philadelphia, PA: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of PA
26. St. Louis, MO: Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, University of St. Louis
27. St. Petersburg FL: University of South Florida, All Children's Hospital
28. Sao Paulo, BR: University of Campinas
29. San Francisco, CA: University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco General Hospital, Comprehensive Sickle Center
30. Seattle, WA: University of Washington, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
31. Stanford, CA: Stanford University
32. Toronto, ON: Hospital for Sick Children
33. Washington, DC: Children's Hospital National Medical Center, George Washington University, Howard University

September is National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month

The Virginia Sickle Cell Awareness Program

Sickle Cell Disease is one of the most common genetic disorders in the United States primarily affecting African-Americans. In Virginia, Sickle Cell Disease is the most prevalent disorder identified by newborn screening tests. Approximately 75 newborns are identified each year though newborn screening. The screening enables early diagnosis of the disease so that life-prolonging treatment begins in the first few months of life. Sickle Cell Disease primarily affects those of African descent, but also is found in people who trace their ancestry to South and Central America, the Middle East, India, Italy, Greece and Turkey.

Sickle Cell Disease primarily affects those of African descent, but also is found in people who trace their ancestry to South and Central America, the Middle East, India, Italy, Greece and Turkey.

In Virginia, one in 325 babies born to African-American parents is affected by Sickle Cell Disease. It is estimated that more than 155,000 Virginian's have sickle cell trait, meaning they do not have the disease but are carriers of the disorder. When a mother and father both have the sickle cell trait there is a 25 percent chance that their child will have sickle cell disease.

It is estimated that more than 4,000 Virginian's are living with Sickle Cell Disease. Sickle Cell Disease causes red blood cells to function abnormally, becoming rigid and curving into a sickle-like shape. The sickle shape makes it difficult for the cells to pass through tiny blood vessels, resulting in painful blockages that prevent vital oxygen and nutrients in the blood from reaching organs and tissues. These blockages can result in tissue damage, severe recurrent pain, strokes, organ damage and other serious medical complications.

There is no universal cure for sickle cell disease, but new treatments and preventive therapies have improved the life expectancy and quality of life for people with the disorder.

Sickle Cell Awareness Month began in 1975 when the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. and its member organizations began holding events throughout the month to address the needs of the community locally and nationally. September officially became National Sickle Cell Awareness Month when the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution introduced by the Congressional Black Caucus in 1983. Since its official recognition, the month has been dedicated to events that raise awareness and understanding about the disease.

The state health department's Sickle Cell Anemia Programs provide information about the disorder to the public and health care professionals and offers screening, referral, counseling and follow-up services to Virginians at risk for sickle cell disease.