• Campaign gives young sickle cell warriors a voice through art and advocacy

LAKEWOOD, Colo., USA — Sept. 22, 2025 — Children and teens living with sickle cell disease (SCD) are invited to transform their medical journeys into powerful works of art through Blood Has Superpowers, a new campaign from Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies (Terumo BCT). Launched during Sickle Cell Awareness Month, the initiative encourages young warriors to creatively express their experiences with blood transfusion therapy, transforming clinical challenges into empowering narratives.

Children with SCD often endure frequent hospital visits, and treatment options range from drug therapies to blood transfusions.¹ One advanced treatment involves apheresis — a procedure that removes harmful red blood cells and replaces them with healthy donor cells to reduce complications such as stroke and organ damage.² These sessions can last several hours, require IV access or a central line, and may be repeated every three to six weeks.² For young warriors, the experience can be physically draining and emotionally isolating. 

Empowering through art

Through Blood Has Superpowers, Terumo BCT seeks to reframe these moments by encouraging children to envision their blood as a superhero — a powerful ally in their healing journey.

Participants aged 18 and under can submit artwork from September 22 through October 31. Following the submission period, entries will be showcased in an online gallery, where the public can vote for their favorites through November 22. Two grand prize winners — one from each age group (10 and under, and 11 to 18) — will receive an iPad™, and selected artists may also be featured in social media interviews.

“We want children with sickle cell disease to feel seen, heard and supported,” said Maura Lienesch, Vice President of Commercial, North America, at Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies. “When people understand what these kids go through, it opens the door for empathy, advocacy and change. That kind of awareness can make a real difference in their lives.”

A persistent public health challenge

Sickle cell disease affects approximately 100,000 people in the United States, with more than 90% identifying as non-Hispanic Black or African American.³ The disease can lead to serious complications, including anemia, stroke, acute and chronic pain, infections, and kidney, liver and heart disease.³ In the U.S., life expectancy for individuals with SCD is more than 20 years shorter than average, and many people with SCD, including children, do not receive recommended healthcare screenings or treatments.³

Community collaboration

To reach children with SCD and their caregivers, Terumo BCT is partnering with advocacy organizations, pediatric clinics and hospitals across North America, including the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Sickle Cell Disease Coalition, My Three Sicklers (MTS) Sickle Cell Foundation, Cayenne Wellness Center, James R. Clark Memorial Sickle Cell Foundation and Uriel E. Owens Sickle Cell Disease Association of the Midwest.

“We believe in the power of community to change outcomes,” Lienesch added. “By partnering with advocacy groups and amplifying these children’s voices, we’re helping to build a more equitable and compassionate future for sickle cell warriors.”

By showcasing the creativity of children with SCD, Terumo BCT hopes to foster greater understanding of the disease and highlight the lifesaving power of blood therapies.

For more information and to submit artwork, visit Blood Has Superpowers.

iPad is either a registered trademark or trademark of Apple Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.

1.     Sickle cell disease – treatment. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Updated September 30, 2024. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sickle-cell-disease/treatment

2.     Kelly S. Logistics, risks, and benefits of automated red blood cell exchange for patients with sickle cell disease. Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. 2023;2023(1):646-652. doi:10.1182/hematology.2023000498

3.     Data and statistics on sickle cell disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published May 15, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/sickle-cell/data/index.html

About Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies

Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies (Terumo BCT) is a medical technology company. Our products, software and services enable customers to collect and prepare blood and cells to help treat challenging diseases and conditions. Our employees worldwide believe in the potential of blood and cells to do even more for patients than they do today. This belief inspires our innovation and strengthens our collaboration with customers.

Terumo BCT’s customers include blood centers, hospitals, therapeutic apheresis clinics, cell collection and processing organizations, researchers and private medical practices. Our customers are based in over 160 countries across the globe.

We have global headquarters in Lakewood, Colorado, U.S., along with five regional headquarters, eight manufacturing sites and six innovation and development centers across the globe. Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies is a subsidiary of Terumo Corporation (TSE: 4543), a global leader in medical technology.

Additional News:

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·         Patients, Scientists Agree: Automated Red Blood Cell Exchange Enhances Quality of Life in Sickle Cell Disease Patients

·         Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies-sponsored Panel Publishes First-of-its-Kind International Consensus Recommendations for Pregnancy Complications in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease

·         Multi-Center Superiority Clinical Trial, Supported by Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, Aims to Significantly Reduce Complications From Acute Chest Syndrome in Adult Sickle Cell Disease Patients