The "Partners for Life" program is a very special program for children with problems requiring chronic blood transfusions such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia. This program is beneficial for children that receive multiple blood transfusions each year. Children in the program have a lower risk of antibody stimulation by extensive matching of each donor with each patient. The program also ensures the availability of compatible blood products in a timely manner.

With the continued support of our dedicated donors, the "Partners for Life" program remains an important resource for children afflicted with sickle cell anemia and thalassemia. However it is important to continually increase participation in the "Partners for Life" to meet the increasing need of children who need regular transfusions.

How can becoming a "Partner for Life" help people with Sickle Cell Anemia and Thalassemia?

Sickle cell disease and Thalassemia both cause anemia so some patients with these diseases need many blood transfusions to maintain their health. However, receiving blood from donors has many unwanted consequences. The most difficult to deal with is the production of antibodies, substances produced by our bodies to fight off foreign invaders. Red blood cells carry markers called antigens on their surface that determine your blood type. When our bodies are exposed to something foreign, like a blood transfusion, our immune system tries to protect us. It may send out antibodies that attach to the antigens and try to destroy the red blood cells. The more often a patient is transfused, the more likely they are to form these antibodies. To help prevent the complications of patients, who must receive frequent transfusions, doctors try to find the most compatible blood possible for each patient. Blood for these children is extensively typed to determine the best possible match. The closer the blood type matches, the better the transfusion works for the patient.

Interested in participating in the "Partners for Life" program?

In order to type your blood more extensively and match you with a child, whose blood type is very similar to yours, we will need a blood sample. The easiest way to accomplish this is to donate a unit of blood.
 
To ensure that the reference lab receives your unit of blood, you may notify the reference laboratory of your donation number and that you are interested in participating in the "Partners for Life" program, within two days after your donation either by phone (770-852-4376) or by e-mail harev@usa.redcross.org.
 
If you are matched with one of the children, you will be notified by mail, invited to join the "Partners for Life" program, and asked to sign a consent form agreeing to participate in the program.
 
We ask that our "Partners for Life" donors donate at least three times a year at one of the fixed sites. You may also choose to donate more often. Every donation is greatly appreciated.
 
The American Red Cross maintains strict confidentiality of all donor and patient information.