Plushie Dreadfuls - Sickle Cell Anemia Rabbit - Plush Stuffed Animal

Sickle cell anemia is a hereditary condition characterized by the presence of abnormally shaped red blood cells. Normally, red blood cells are disc-shaped and flexible, allowing them to move easily through blood vessels and transport oxygen to tissues throughout the body. However, in individuals with sickle cell anemia, the red blood cells become rigid and take on a crescent or "sickle" shape. This abnormal shape makes it difficult for the sickle cells to flow smoothly through blood vessels. Instead, they can get stuck, causing blockages that impede blood flow to various parts of the body. This can result in episodes of severe pain known as "crises," as well as other complications such as organ damage, stroke, and anemia.  The symptoms and severity of sickle cell anemia can vary widely from person to person. Some individuals may experience relatively mild symptoms, while others may face more frequent and severe complications requiring ongoing medical management. Despite the challenge