KD Hall Foundation Hosts Blood Drive For Sickle Cell Patients, Spreads Awareness of Blood Disorders

The KD Hall Foundation  teamed up with the American Red Cross Northwest Region to host their first-ever blood drive. The event focused on awareness and support for those with Sickle Cell disease across Seattle. 

Sickle Cell Anemia affects over 41 million people, and is more likely to appear in Black patients. For the foundation, the drive was a great way to spread the word and collect blood which can be used to help those in need.

“Depending on various factors, a person with Sickle Cell Anemia can go into a sickle cell crisis, which can result in fatigue and even extreme pain, strokes, and death” Hall said. “There’s not a ton of research or funding being put into it.”

Hall herself is a carrier of Sickle Cell Anemia, which she only discovered after the birth of her oldest child.

“They didn’t start testing everyone until 2006, so I had no idea I was a carrier,” Hall said.

KD Hall Foundation Ambassador Marisa Johnson was excited to be able to help out and support the drive. The foundation itself aims to help women and girls prepare for the workforce and provide opportunity, support, mentors, and sponsors. 

“I love that we’re doing things for young girls and especially people that look like me,” Johnson said. “KD is such an amazing and inspiring woman and there’s so much opportunity.”

You can see more in the video above and make sure to tune into #Back2Besa with Besa Gordon this Saturday at 10:30 pm on FOX 13 Seattle and Sunday at 10 am on FOX 13 + for more great stories.