Dear partners,
Many people are surprised to learn that sickle cell disease puts children at a very high risk of stroke. In fact, sickle cell is one of the leading causes of childhood stroke in Africa. As sickled red blood cells damage and narrow the major arteries supplying the brain, children become vulnerable to sudden weakness, paralysis, speech difficulties, and longterm disability. Silent strokes — which show no obvious symptoms — are even more common and can cause learning challenges that follow a child for life.
Our project, Keep 500 Sickle Cell Kids Alive, is designed to address this danger before it becomes irreversible. With your support, we are expanding access to preventive care such as hydroxyurea, which stabilizes blood flow and reduces the risk of arterial narrowing. We are also working to introduce Transcranial Doppler (TCD) screening — a simple, noninvasive test that detects abnormal bloodflow velocities long before a stroke occurs. Children identified as highrisk can then receive early treatment that reduces stroke risk by up to 90%.
Your donations help us reach families who have never been told that their child is at risk. By supporting screening, preventive medication, caregiver education, and emergency care, you are giving sickle cell children the chance to grow, learn, and thrive without the fear of sudden disability.
Thank you for helping us protect these vulnerable children from one of the most devastating complications of sickle cell disease.
