A Federal Way woman is speaking out about a disease affecting roughly 100,000 Americans - sickle cell disease.
Three times a week, Kendra Hogenson volunteers to pass out snacks to blood donors at Bloodworks Northwest in Federal Way.
"And I love it. I should've done it sooner," she said.
That probably wouldn't have been easy for Kendra who has struggled with sickle cell disease, a blood disorder that mostly affects African-Americans.
"My red blood cells start out round and they turn sickle shape like a banana and they can't flow through the veins and arteries correctly so they get stuck and that's where it causes the pain."
"When she was really little she was in so much pain that she retreated inside of herself," said Gail Hogenson, Kendra's mother. Gail and her husband adopted Kendra almost 47 years ago shortly after she was born.
"They said she would never grow up never be normal."
Normal is a word that Kendra has had to constantly define on her own terms.
"I started having strokes at age 12 so I had to have routine blood exchange transfusions for 32 years."
For decades that blood came from people who have sat in the chairs at Bloodworks Northwest.
"Gave me a quality of life I've never thought I've had."
While she's been able to push through and survive her body suffers.
"I went to raise my arm to comb my hair and excruciating pain. Immediate medical attention was needed and my shoulder had to be partially replaced," said Kendra
Kendra still needs a brace for her leg and she's now unable to work--living at home with her parents.
"Having to put them through the heartache and worry I know it's not been easy on them on them either but regardless they're here. I take one day at a time and positive attitude is everything."
