Sickle cell disease runs in my family. I don't have it, but my friend told me I can still pass it on to my children. Is this true? I don't have kids yet, but I want to be a mom someday. – Raiyah* Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder. Children can: inherit only one sickle cell gene from a parent. They have sickle cell trait. They usually do not develop symptoms of sickle cell disease. inherit two sickle cell genes, one from each parent. They have sickle cell disease and will need lifelong medical care. You can find out if you carry the sickle cell gene with a simple blood test. If you do have sickle cell trait, it doesn't mean your kids will have sickle cell disease. Your child would have to inherit two sickle cell genes to have sickle cell disease. So if your child's father does not have the sickle cell gene, your child can't get sickle cell disease. But if your child's father has the sickle cell gene, your child can get sickle cell disease. Back to Articles Related Articles I Have Sickle Cell Disease. What Should I Know About Going Away to College? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More Transitioning Your Medical Care: Sickle Cell Disease At a certain point, you'll no longer be able to see your childhood doctor. Here are tips for teens on making a smooth switch to adult sickle cell care. Read More The Basics on Genes and Genetic Disorders Genes play an important role in how we look and act, and even in whether we get sick. This article gives the lowdown on genes, genetic disorders, and new research into gene therapy. Read More My Friend Has Sickle Cell Disease. How Can I Help? People with sickle cell disease need good friends who understand and can help them get through tough times. This article for teens helps you learn what you can do to be that friend. Read More Sickle Cell Disease Sickle cell disease is a blood disorder that makes red blood cells change shape and cause health problems. Find out more in this article for teens. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.