Current research in stem cell transplantation for sickle cell disease has resulted in a number of new promising approaches for cure of this disease. However, RBC and platelet transfusion and hemoglobin S percentage thresholds required for stem cell transplantation as well as the high frequency of alloantibody formation often found in these patients, pose unique challenges for the provision of platelets and RBCs and can affect stem cell engraftment. This educational session will provide a review of these concepts and address potential approaches for both appropriate transfusion support and donor selection for these patients.