On June 15, I participated in a blood drive organized by The Sickle Cell Anemia Association of Quebec and my dear friend and spokeswoman Dorothy Alexandre. It was my way of celebrating Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness Day (June 19). I was thinking about donating blood for some time so when the opportunity presented itself, I jumped on it.

Sickle cell anemia is a genetically inherited blood disorder that causes chronic anemia, periodic episodes of pain, and other complications. This disease is mostly the plight of the black community. You may have heard of T-Boz’s battle with the disease as well as other celebrities such as Lawrence Tate (Actor). As for me, I have a cousin who died from a blood clot caused by his sickle-cell anemia at the age of 21 and know multiple others who live with the life threatening disease. So raising awareness as well as donating blood was really important to me.

It was my first time donating blood and I will cherish this experience for the rest of my life. I was really excited but I must admit I was a bit nervous as well. I was afraid that giving blood would make me dizzy or light-headed or worst that I would be infected by a dirty needle. I know, some of you are rolling your eyes at my theatrics but you would be surprised by the amount of people struggling with the same concerns. In spite of all my fears however, I was determined to go through with it. And I did!

Side note: all the supplies used to extract the blood are disposable so there are no risks of contamination.

The volunteers were so kind and attentive. They answered my questions, quieted all my fears, fetched me as much water as I wanted and served me a plate of Haitian food once I was done. The entire process only took about 45 minutes but the benefits will last an eternity. Saving lives by giving blood is no small feat.

For the occasion I wore a casual chic outfit. In the pictures below, you will see me wearing high heels but I packed a pair of flats in case I felt sick after the donation. Fortunately, I didn’t need to wear them!

This is what I wore:

H & M CONSCIOUS COLLECTION T-SHIRT | ZARA SKINNY JEANS | JESSICA HIGH HEELS | MIU MIU HANDBAG SUMMER EARRINGS

Dorothy Alexandre + Me + My dear mom before my blood donation.

Dorothy Alexandre + Me before my blood donation.

I donated half a liter of blood. I had to squeeze a piece of paper in my hand to help the blood flow.

As a first time donor they gave me the sticker you see on the back of my left hand. (w/ Dorothy Alexandre)

Stay Conscious + Chic!