Sickle cell disorder is an inherited blood disorder that affects the shape of red blood cells, and can have an extreme impact on all different areas of the body. September marks Sickle Cell Awareness Month, so we wanted to draw attention to the science underlying this often-misunderstood disease. We are joined by researcher Sara El Hoss and sickle cell patient and advocate Stephanie George to discuss everything from the diagnostic journey to the fascinating research investigating future treatment methods.

Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of depression and self-harm. If you are struggling with things of this nature, we have linked some resources below to help you find the right support for you.

Mental health resources:

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/where-to-start/

https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

Sickle Cell resources:

https://www.sicklecellsociety.org/

https://ascatconferences.com/

https://www.instagram.com/redcellsrus/

https://www.instagram.com/steph_has_sicklecell_/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sickle-cell-disease/

Producer: Lia Hale

Assistant producer: Poppy Aves

Music: Joseph Sandy

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