Hoosiers living with deadly disease to meet at statehouse
02/27/2023
By: Lakyn McGee, WISHTV
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Hoosiers from across the state will encourage lawmakers to consider the needs of people living with sickle cell disease.
Monday is Sickle Cell Advocacy Day.
Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. In someone who has the disease, the hemoglobin in their blood is abnormal, which causes the red blood cells to become hard and sticky and shaped like a sickle.
Dr. Brandon Hardesty, a hematologist at Indiana Hematology and Thrombosis Center, says it’s hereditary, painful, and ultimately kills anyone who has it.
“The primary symptom of Sickle Cell Disease is pain,” Hardesty said. “The pain can occur anywhere. It is a deep pain from poor blood flow to muscles or bones.”
Source: WISH TV