The Unspoken Battles of Sickle Cell Trait, Part 2

(Story continued from Part 1)

Yolanda Evans

Later in life, Yolanda found out she had a brother who also had sickle cell trait. “He died [by gunshot wound]. We found out the doctors could have saved him if they knew he had the trait. It’s an emotional rollercoaster,” she said.

Yolanda has taken her knowledge about sickle cell trait and become an advocate. She is Miss Bullitt Blast and uses her platform to educate. The Bullitt Blast pageant is in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, and part of the AmeriFest National Pageant system that inspires community service, leadership and building self-esteem.

Yolanda spoke about how managing sickle cell trait, having kids at a young age, and growing up in group homes gave her the opportunity to reach more people.  She emphasized the need to speak to multiracial families, saying, “The reality is that this is something that can happen to more than one race. It’s not just African Americans.”

Yolanda is Miss Bullitt Blast

With a passion for people to understand the disorder, Yolanda wants to continue giving back to her community. Her love for modeling and pageants has given her the confidence to be a positive influence. Yolanda plans to host a blood drive with the Red Cross and amplify the need for blood. “We all need to come together and be in a humility situation where we can help each other…Blood will save a life,” she reflected.

We are so thankful to Yolanda for being sincere and sharing her story. We encourage anyone who has the sickle cell trait to speak with their doctor about what it means for their health and family planning. The Red Cross is screening for sickle cell trait in blood donations for individuals who identify as multiracial, Black or African American. You can learn more here: Sickle Cell Trait Screening