Renowned artist Nikkolas Smith has unveiled exclusive artwork that highlights the crucial significance of blood donations for individuals living with sickle cell disease. This genetic blood disorder, which predominantly affects the Black community and is often unnoticed by the public, has been depicted in the digital portrait named “Transfusion,” commissioned by the American Red Cross. The artwork aims to raise broader awareness about sickle cell disease and the vital role that Black donors play in providing compatible blood matches. It’s noteworthy that one in three African Americans can serve as a match for those with sickle cell disease.
Collaborating closely with four individuals who battle sickle cell disease – Tiereny Bell, Dr. Rubin Beaufort, Dreylan Holmes, and Erica Hunter – Smith captured and conveyed their lived experiences in “Transfusion.” This portrayal encompasses a wide spectrum of experiences, from 12-year-old Dreylan Holmes’ misunderstood encounters at school resulting in isolation to Tiereny Bell’s excruciating pain that curtails her work routine as an epidemiologist. Despite being shared experiences among many warriors, these narratives remain largely underrepresented in everyday conversations.
Bell remarked, “People will sometimes say to me, you don’t look sick. And I respond, well, what does sick look like?”
The Significance of Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease, a condition that profoundly affects around 100,000 individuals in the U.S., primarily those of African descent, necessitates regular blood transfusions for effective management. The disorder transforms once-rounded and soft red blood cells into rigid and crescent-shaped forms, leading to difficulties in smooth blood flow and oxygen transportation throughout the body. This can result in severe pain, organ damage, anemia, and even strokes.
Smith, inspired by conversations with these courageous sickle cell warriors, noted their enduring pain due to malfunctioning cells and their unwavering determination to persevere until the next blood transfusion.
The Role of Blood Donors
However, frequent transfusions can pose a challenge when it comes to finding compatible blood types. Patients may develop an immune response against blood that doesn’t closely match their own. Dr. Yvette Miller, executive medical director of the Red Cross, highlighted the importance of donating blood, particularly for those with sickle cell disease. While anyone, regardless of race, can inherit the condition, a large majority of individuals in the U.S. who suffer from it are of African descent.
Individuals like Dr. Rubin Beaufort, who has received over 240 blood transfusions, continue to grapple with high levels of pain. Erica Hunter, a 41-year-old microbiologist, retired early due to disease complications and has received more than 50 blood transfusions.
Smith’s art contributes to the Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative, which addresses health disparities linked to sickle cell disease. The initiative focuses on increasing blood donations from Black individuals through community collaborations and ensuring closely matched blood products for patients.
Donating blood is a straightforward act, and the summer months can be particularly challenging for maintaining sufficient blood supply. People of all blood types are encouraged to schedule an appointment using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross plays a vital role in disaster relief, providing aid to victims, supplying approximately 40% of the nation’s blood, offering life-saving skills training, distributing international humanitarian aid, and supporting veterans, military members, and their families. The nonprofit organization relies on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to fulfill its mission.
About Nikkolas Smith:
A native of Houston, Texas, Nikkolas Smith is a Master of Architecture graduate from Hampton University. Following an 11-year tenure designing theme parks at Walt Disney Imagineering, he is now recognized as an ARTivist, Concept artist, Children’s Books Author, Film Illustrator, and Movie poster designer. He has authored and illustrated several acclaimed picture books and is known for his socially impactful artwork. Smith’s contribution to raising awareness and promoting dialogue about social justice has garnered global recognition and engagement.
