During Black History Month, Community Blood Center (CBC) proudly presented the annual Dr. Charles Drew Lifesaver Award to sickle cell awareness advocate Sheena Anderson in recognition of her leadership in strengthening the blood supply and championing the need for racially diverse blood donors.
Sheena’s advocacy journey began after her 12-year-old son, Bam Saladin, was diagnosed with sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder that disproportionately affects individuals of African descent. Patients living with sickle cell disease often require ongoing blood transfusions throughout their lives. Closely matched blood from donors of similar racial or ethnic backgrounds significantly improves patient outcomes and reduces complications.
The award presentation took place February 24 during Children’s Mercy’s on-campus, employee blood drive, bringing together CBC representatives and members of Bam Saladin’s Children’s Mercy care team. Although Sheena was unable to attend the event, her advocacy and impact were front and center. Dr. Shabnam I Arsiwala, Director of the Sickle Cell Disease Program at Children’s Mercy, accepted the award on her behalf, surrounded by the Children’s Mercy physicians and caregivers who support Bam.
Motivated by Bam’s journey, Sheena has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about sickle cell disease and to inspire blood donation within Black and Brown communities. Her voice has helped highlight the critical need for more diverse donors to ensure patients like Bam always have access to the lifesaving blood they need.
“Sheena’s advocacy is deeply personal, and that’s what makes it so powerful,” said Chelsea Tibbetts, Vice President of Blood Operations at Community Blood Center. “Sheena has turned her family’s experience into action, helping our community understand that blood donation isn’t just a generous act, it’s a lifeline. Because of champions like her, more patients living with sickle cell disease will have access to the closely matched blood they depend on.”
The Dr. Charles Drew Lifesaver Award is named in honor of Dr. Charles Richard Drew, the father of modern blood banking. His groundbreaking work during World War II established the foundation for today’s blood banking system and continues to save lives every day.
CBC appreciates Children’s Mercy for hosting the award presentation during its employee blood drive and recognizes the dedicated care team that supports Bam and other patients living with sickle cell disease. Events like this highlight the critical connection between hospital partners, blood donors and the patients whose lives depend on a strong, diverse blood supply.
To learn more about donating blood and how you can help ensure patients have access to the lifesaving transfusions they need, visit savealifenow.org.
