Cianna
Cianna, 16, was diagnosed with sickle cell at three days old and experienced her first severe pain episode, known as a sickle cell crisis, on her first day at primary school.
Cianna, 16, was diagnosed with sickle cell at three days old and experienced her first severe pain episode, known as a sickle cell crisis, on her first day at primary school.
She has relied on blood transfusions ever since to try to prevent and relieve the painful symptoms and complications, and help her to lead a normal life.
Her mum Hayley said: "Cianna didn’t experience her first crisis until she was almost 5 years old and for several years after she was regularly admitted to hospital. This impacted school and friendships and Cianna was not able to do too much. Every day we have to consider the triggers that could cause a crisis and make conscious decisions as to what we can do to prevent them. (These include) hydration, staying warm, not getting stressed or anxious, eating well, not doing too much exercise and recognising symptoms early if they do occur."
She added: "Cianna has received three transfusions. Receiving blood literally saved her life. We are eternally grateful for everyone that has donated blood. The difference it makes is priceless.
"Not many people understand the severity of sickle cell nor the need of blood for transfusions those with the condition rely on to stay alive.
Blood donations have saved Cianna’s life more than once, and we are so grateful that people go out of their way to donate.
