What is Sickle Cell Disease? Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders, known as hemoglobinopathies, affecting mostly individuals of African or Hispanic descent. Common symptoms of SCD are recurrent debilitating pain, organ damage, and infection. These symptoms are caused by unhealthy red blood cells that are sickle-shaped, causing them to stick in small blood vessels. Other complications of SCD can include acute chest syndrome and neurologic complications such as stroke. People affected with SCD have shortened life expectancy, with median lifespan currently in the 40’s in the United States. To learn more about cord blood banking, visit Parent's Guide to Cord Blood Foundation http://at https://parentsguidecordblood.org/en/news/youngest-hero-how-newborn-can-change-life-older-sibling-sickle-cell-disease