Give for Texans – Breonna’s Story
Rewriting the narrative of living with sickle cell
Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States, affecting approximately 100,000 Americans, including 7,000 Texans.
Carter BloodCare is grateful to share one Texan’s story of her journey living with sickle cell disease. Breonna Brooks of Dallas discusses her experience and new mission:
“My journey with sickle cell anemia began at birth, but my seemingly healthy appearance made it difficult for my family to accept the diagnosis. As a result, I remained untreated for nearly three years, until a life-altering stroke dramatically changed the course of my life.
The aftermath of the stroke painted a grim picture, with doctors expressing doubts about my prospects, even questioning whether I would wake up the next day. However, a remarkable twist occurred when my mother entered my room the following day to find me sitting up and singing, marking the dawning of my resilience in the face of sickle cell.
My path forward included regular blood transfusions. I’m profoundly indebted to Carter BloodCare for their relentless efforts in finding compatible donors.
Growing up, I faced undeniable hardships, carrying a profound sense of shame when it came to sharing my sickle cell story. My life shifted from being a stroke survivor to becoming a frequent recipient of sickle cell blood transfusions, enduring surgery after surgery.
With time, my perspective evolved. I came to realize my journey wasn’t a source of shame but a testament to my resilience.
Now, at the age of 30, I’ve embraced a career as a full-time social media content creator. This path required sacrifices, including forgoing college and making significant life adjustments to manage stress, but I’ve found a better way forward.
Today, my mission is to serve as a beacon of hope for fellow sickle cell and blood transfusion recipients, to demonstrate brighter days and a promising future are not only attainable but well within reach.
It’s time to rewrite the narrative and celebrate the strength of survivors.
I’m ready to open up, ready to share my entire story, and ready to be the advocate Carter BloodCare, sickle cell and other Americans need. I am poised to be the voice that my family members have envisioned.
It’s time to step up and tell my story.”
Blood donors save lives: Donate at a Carter BloodCare donor center or mobile blood drive near you. Help patients in need by calling 800-366-2834 today.
If you have ever received blood or platelets, your transfusion experience can save lives by motivating others to donate. Please Tell Us Your Story.