Why Knowing Your Sickle Cell Status Matters—Even If You Feel Healthy

For many people, sickle cell anemia feels like a distant condition—something that only affects a small group or only becomes visible during a medical crisis. But what if we told you that knowing your sickle cell status could change your life—or even save someone else’s?

At the Isaiah Steward Foundation, we believe that education is empowerment. One of the biggest misconceptions about sickle cell is that only those with the disease need to be concerned. But that’s far from the truth.

Many individuals are walking around with the sickle cell trait, unaware that they carry a genetic marker that could be passed down to future children. College athletes, in particular, are now required to be tested, because even having the trait can affect the body under intense physical stress.

💬 “It’s not just about knowing—it’s about preparing, protecting, and planning.”

That’s why we’re working to offer 15-minute sickle cell screenings at health fairs and community events. We’re also collaborating with researchers and clinicians to help families understand what those results mean.

Knowing your status allows you to:

• Make informed decisions about family planning

• Adjust your diet or lifestyle to support your health

• Get early interventions before symptoms escalate

  
  

If you’ve never been tested, we encourage you to do so. And if you have, talk to your loved ones about getting screened too. Knowledge is a gift—one that can change lives for generations to come. #KnowYourStatus #SickleCellAwareness #BecauseWeCare