Discarded Bone Marrow for Hematology Research

This study is collecting discarded bone marrow from orthopedic surgeries in patients with sickle cell disease or severe thalassemia. During certain bone surgeries, marrow-containing bone material is typically discarded as medical waste. This study collects and stores that material for research into new treatments for these blood disorders — particularly gene therapy and bone marrow transplantation approaches. No additional procedures are required beyond the patient's planned surgery. The research aims to better understand how stem cells from these patients behave, which could eventually lead to improved therapies for sickle cell disease and thalassemia. You may be eligible if: - You have sickle cell disease (SS or S-beta thalassemia) and are 2 years or older, OR - You have HbE-beta-thalassemia or severe beta-thalassemia (transfusion-dependent or severe) - You are already scheduled for orthopedic surgery that will involve discarded bone You may NOT be eligible if: - You are currently experiencing a sickle cell crisis, acute chest syndrome, stroke, or active infection - You are pregnant - Your platelet or white blood cell count is too low, or your clotting times are abnormal - You have a history of excessive bleeding during previous procedures Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.