Often times when a child is born with a disease, the parents are at a loss as far as where to turn for help and advice. There are many Sickle Cell charities set up around the world that can help families deal with the struggles presented by this disorder. They are able to provide support in a multitude of ways from the moment of diagnosis and on through the life of the patient.

These organizations are set up to provide a variety of services related to this condition. While some are broad based and cover the general spectrum of needs, other are specialized to handle only specific circumstances. Some are geared completely towards research, but there are those that concentrate on education, scholarships, children or adult care.

A autosomal recessive trait disease, Sickle Cell is genetic and can only be inherited if both parents are carriers and transfer the affected gene to their child. This is a serious blood disorder affecting the red cells and the flow of oxygen to the body, resulting in pain, anemia and other issues. People who have ancestors from Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Indian, African or some Latin American countries run a higher risk of carrying this trait and passing it on to their offspring.

Testing is the only way to know for sure if someone has been born with this disease. In most hospitals, blood workups are done automatically on newborns as part of their standard practices. Many parents from at-risk backgrounds choose to have genetic screening done before or during a pregnancy to determine if their babies chances of being afflicted or to become better prepared in care practices.

This disease is currently incurable and the only way for one to get it is to be born with it. Most of the symptoms can be treated and managed through medications and therapies so that one may life a relatively normal life. This is a very serious condition that often manifests through bouts of pain, extreme anemia, persistent infections or bone and organ damage.

The various organizations set up regarding this condition are there to assist the patients with everything from finding doctors to getting tested and funding medications if necessary. Certain groups will help advise individuals on the recommended follow up treatments and help find hematologists and oncologists that specialize specifically in this disease. Some may also provide temporary housing for the families of those who are having to undergo care at hospitals.

Some groups are set up as a way to provide grants to research facilities and medical specialist as well as supporting the continuing education for physicians, nurses and support workers in this field of study. Others are there to provide scholarships to those afflicted with the disease so that they may attend college. These are just a few of the ways they can help.

Sickle Cell charities are one of the primary ways in which the public is educated on this disease. They provide information packets and hold seminars and conventions for those who wish to learn more about the causes, effects and treatments of this condition. Counseling opportunities and advocacy programs are in place to help dispel some of the stigma that is generally associated with this disorder.