Unprecedented and impressive film “Students Are Heroes: A Sickle Cell Warrior Story” written, directed, co- produced by Keenan “Special” Bristol and co- produced by Prince Ford was released for worldwide streaming on September 27, 2024. This follows a successful, sold out world premiere on September 12th. Not only does the movie deliver the message and awareness of the shortage of blood donations for victims facing sickle cell anemia by African Americans, Latino and Caribbean donors, but it is also a touching and sensitive movie that is spectacular.
The film follows Jordana Bristol, portrayed by Jordana Whyte as a student in high school, who collapses during track practice and is admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with a sickle cell crisis. Jordana faces a critical and life-threatening situation due to the fact her development of antibodies from previous blood transfusions complicates the search for a compatible donor. Her situation becomes critical, and her only hope of survival lies in the possibility that high school students may come forward to donate blood because the hospital lacks specific blood type required for her treatment. The doctors make Jordana aware that black and Latino communities have a better chance genetically of having blood that is compatible. Fortunately for her, the children step up and save Jordana’s life so she eventually able to fulfill her dream of running the New York marathon.
There are many little touches in the film that come to mind for example the music written and performed by “Special” add a unique facet to the storyline. Special’s own mother is brought into the film to tell her story which became the reason for dedicating the awareness of blood shortages. The school Principal role played by King Melvin Brown was a powerful inspiration to the movie as well. Jordana was a believable victim, and her pain and frustration is felt by the audience.
A Sickle Cell Warriors Story Talented Cast consists of Jordana Whyte (playing Jordana Bristol), Keenan “Special” Bristol (playing Dr. Alexander), Joanna Wactor (playing Isabell), Stacy Thomas (playing Dr. Stacy), Martin Bluth (playing Dr. Martin Bluth), Deigo Diaz (playing Dr. Princeton), Kia Rush (playing Martha Ellis), Melvin Thomas AKA King Melvin Brown (playing Principal Johnson), Layla Johnson (playing Stacy), Al Jetson (playing James), Jada Bourne (playing Giselle), Joven Elegado (playing Parker), Prince Forde (playing Michael), DJS1 (playing himself), DeAundre Addison (playing Ferris), Sherebiah Lawes (playing Tailah), Madison Thompson (playing a student), Serenity Eaddy (playing Ari) and Jeff Simon (playing a teacher).
Now you might be wondering what the difference is, as all blood knows no color except red… not so true. An RO donor has the power to save the lives of individuals battling sickle cell disease who require more extensively matched blood. 8 to 10 units are needed for adult patient for one transfusion exchange, which is over 60 units of blood pressure therapy. This means that 20 RO donors are needed to support that single patient. RO blood donors have special markers on their red blood cells which is uncommon. Since 44% of African-Americans/Latinos have RO blood markers, this makes them very special and very needed. Very often patients experienced the best outcomes when receiving life-saving blood from individuals of similar ethnic backgrounds. Unfortunately, donations in the Afro American and Latino community are scarce.
The film is now available for streaming. All proceeds and donations will be used for the 2025 “Heroes Donate Blood Concert” for all Students that Donate Blood. Music Brings Life plans to raise 10,000 pints of Genotypic Blood for patients with sickle cell anemia, Beta Thalassema and black transfused dependency patients in New York City.
Stream “Students are Heroes: A Sickle Cell Warrior’s Story” on the official website for Music Brings Life today: https://www.musicbringslife.org
Watch the official trailer for “Students are Heroes: A Sickle Cell Warrior’s Story” here: