BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — For Drew Agahiu, living with sickle cell disease is something he has learned to navigate every day.
Diagnosed at birth, Drew experienced his first sickle cell crisis at four years old. Now, at 18 years old, managing his condition means always thinking ahead.
"Just adapted to it early, changed my lifestyle around," Drew said. "Bringing more water with me, or wearing extra clothes when it's hot, or even on the side, I'll bring a sweatshirt with me, like the air conditioning inside that can cause pain too."
Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited blood disorders that causes red blood cells to become hard, sticky and crescent-shaped. The abnormal cells can block blood flow, leading to severe pain, chronic anemia and organ damage.