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Diverse blood donors offer hope for sickle cell patients
Sickle cell is a lifelong disease. For many, blood transfusions offer hope.
“Blood donors can play an important role in the treatment of sickle cell disease,” said Annie Marckel, communications manager of the Western Lake Erie Region of the American Red Cross. “For some patients, blood transfusions can ease pain and prevent complications, including strokes.”
Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic blood disease in the United States. Estimates are that more than 70,000 people live with the condition in the U.S., and that 1,000 babies are born with the disease annually. A single patient with sickle cell can receive up to 100 pints of blood each year.
The disease affects red blood cells by causing soft, round blood cells to become hard, sticky and “sickle” shaped. While normal red cells move smoothly through small blood tubes in the body, sickle shaped cells clog flow and break apart, causing pain, damage to blood vessels or vital organs, low blood count or anemia.
“People are often surprised when they learn that sickle cell disease affects people of almost all races,” said Marckel. “While the disease is more prevalent among people of African-descent, we also see the disease among people from India, Central and South America, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Mediterranean nations like Greece, France and Turkey.”
Since the best blood match for a patient requiring ongoing transfusions comes from donors of the same genetic background, the Red Cross encourages people of all ethnicities to donate blood, and help increase the number of diverse donors.
“You have a unique ability to help someone in need, just by giving blood,” said Marckel. “And with September being National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month, there’s even more compelling reason to make and keep your appointment to help save a life.”
Tai Chi for Health
Tai Chi for Health, Taoist Tai Chi for Beginner classes will be offered Oct. 6 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Walbridge Senior Center, 705 N. Main St., Walbridge, and Oct. 5 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the community room at Lutheran Home of Toledo, 131 N. Wheeling St.
The classes consist of slow movements that use gentle turns and graceful stretches to improve balance, circulation and strength.
All adults are welcome. Call 419-537-0131 for more information.
Seger fundraiser
An Italian Dinner fundraiser to benefit Jacquelyn Seger, a 22-year-old single mother recently diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer, will be held Sept. 26 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at St. Ignatius Church, 2121 N. Stadium Rd., Oregon.
Seger is undergoing seven months of chemotherapy and radiation, which have made it impossible for her to work. The cost of medication and special needs have become a financial hardship on the family, due to a lack of insurance coverage.
Dinner will include spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, salad, bread, drinks and dessert. The requested donation is $10 for adults and $7 for kids 10 and under. There will also be a silent and raffles.
Sponsors for the event are The Future Wave salon and Salad Galley. A benefit account for Seger has been established at Huntington Bank.
What’s normal?
What memory changes can we expect as we age? How do we know when forgetfulness might be a symptom of a more serious problem?
The Alzheimer’s Association, Northwest Ohio Chapter will host “Memory Loss: What’s Normal, What’s Not,” a free community program that explores forgetfulness and memory loss, Sept. 28 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Oregon Branch Library, 3340 Dustin Rd.
Examples of memory changes that are part of the normal aging process will be compared with memory changes that may be the result of disease or other factors besides aging. Participants will learn about treatable causes of memory loss, methods of memory improvement and influences on memory functions.
To register for the free program or for more information about other available services for those with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia, call the Alzheimer’s Association, Northwest Ohio Chapter at 419-537-1999 or toll free at 1-800-272-3900.
Family to Family
The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) will offer a 12-week Family to Family course for family members of those who have had experience with emotional/mental/neurobiological brain disorders.
The class will begin Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Ignatius Church, 212 N. Stadium Rd., Oregon. For more information, call Jessica at 419-352-0626 or Brenda at 419-689-3095.
The “Walk to Defeat ALS” will be held Oct. 3 on the Flower Hospital campus, located on Harroun Road in Sylvania.
Registration will begin at noon. The one-mail walk will begin at 1 p.m. A number of pre-event activities are planned on the paddock area. There will be a silent auction in the barn.
The paved walking path is family-friendly and allows for wheelchairs, strollers and pets.
Funds raised at the event will provide programs and services for local residents struggling with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Last year, the event drew over 800 walkers and raised $38,000. Organizers have set a goal of 1,000 walkers and $45,000 for this year’s event.
Register for the walk and learn more about the disease at www.alsohio.org.
Grants aid anti-drug efforts
The Office of National Drug Control Policy has announced that the Sandusky County Health Department will receive $775,000 over the next five years from two Drug Free Communities (DFC) Grants.
Sponsored by the Health Department, the Prevention Partnership Coalition of Sandusky County was one of 169 communities to receive the Drug Free Communities Support Program Grant and one of only 16 new DFC Mentoring grants across the country.
“These grant approvals are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and our community prevention partners who have been working to reduce youth substance abuse and associated risky behaviors as well as finding new funding sources in a difficult economic climate,” said Sandusky County Health Commissioner David Pollick. “The Prevention Partnership has already had impact in bringing down the rates of tobacco and underage drinking in the county. The community commitment to health assessment has also created a strong foundation for coalition building, strategic planning and action.”
“This is great news for the anti-drug efforts of Sandusky County,” said Stacey Gibson, Coalition Coordinator and Department Health Educator. “Some of the most important work to reduce drug use and other risky behaviors comes from local grassroots community coalitions. The Prevention Partnership Coalition is doing vital drug prevention work in our communities and this additional funding will help us to expand our efforts and reach more youth in Sandusky and Erie counties.”
For more information on the Prevention Partnership Coalition of Sandusky County contact Stacey Gibson at 419-334-6395 or visit www.sanduskycohd.org
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