Posts by: Dunstan Nicol-Wilson

September always reminds me of preparing for a new school year. It’s been a while since I’ve had to do that, so I have long since fallen out of the ... Read more

August 30, 2021August 30, 2021

My Hopes for the Future of Sickle Cell

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

As August draws to a close, so does the end of summer. September brings a new season and a fresh start. It is also Sickle Cell Awareness Month — a ... Read more

August 23, 2021August 23, 2021

When I Feel a Sickle Cell Crisis Happening, I Follow These 5 Steps

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

The word “crisis” is probably the most accurate term for what happens when pain kicks in from sickle cell disease. The dictionary definition of a crisis is “a time of ... Read more

August 16, 2021August 16, 2021

From Now On, Sickle Cell Isn’t Just About Me

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

I have often overlooked the song “From Now On” from the movie “The Greatest Showman,” because “This Is Me” has to be the best song on the soundtrack, right? In ... Read more

August 9, 2021August 9, 2021

Having a Support Network Is Key When Dealing With Chronic Conditions

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

“You’ll Never Walk Alone” is a famous ballad sung by fans of the Liverpool Football Club. As a Manchester United fan, I hate Liverpool, but I love this anthem. Is ... Read more

August 2, 2021August 2, 2021

Recovery From a Sickle Cell Crisis Requires Attention to Mental Health

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

Ah, here we go again. I should have known. If I drank more water, if I wore a hat, if I didn’t walk up all those stairs, if I didn’t ... Read more

July 26, 2021July 26, 2021

Summer Is Here, So No More Sickle Cell Crises, Right?

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

It’s summertime, my favorite season here in the U.K. Summer brings great music, good vibes, and no crises! Sigh, I wish. I love summer weather because one of my main ... Read more

July 19, 2021July 19, 2021

I’m Cautiously Optimistic as COVID-19 Restrictions Ease in the UK

COVID-19 Columns, Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

COVID-19 restrictions are easing here in the U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said we must “learn to live with this virus,” and he is lifting laws requiring masks and social ... Read more

July 12, 2021July 12, 2021

Growing Up With Sickle Cell Taught Me to Stand Up to Adversity

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

With a chronic condition like sickle cell disease, I sometimes find it difficult to look far into the future. What exactly will my future be like? Will there be more ... Read more

June 28, 2021June 28, 2021

How My Origin Story and Sickle Cell Disease Shaped My Childhood

COVID-19 Columns, Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

I am going to take you behind the scenes of how this column, “Sickle Sagas,” came to be. I will show you everything about how I became an incredibly successful ... Read more

June 21, 2021June 21, 2021

Do We Have to Die for Change?

COVID-19 Columns, Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

June 19 was both World Sickle Cell Day and Juneteenth! It wasn’t until last year that I learned about Juneteenth — forgive me, I’m a Londoner. Similarly, many of my ... Read more

June 14, 2021June 14, 2021

Welcome to ‘Sickle Sagas’: Documenting Life With My Disorder

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

Recently I have been engrossed in sagas about the viking king Ragnar Lothbrok as well as his famous sons’ exploits. A saga is a long story often involving herculean challenges. ... Read more