Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

September 20, 2021September 20, 2021

Becoming a Master Sickle Cell Patient

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

I often underestimate how much I have learned about sickle cell over the years. To live with a chronic condition, one must understand all the symptoms and side effects that ... Read more

September 17, 2021September 17, 2021

The Hidden Danger From Strokes in Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

I recently watched a film on Netflix called “Strain,” which depicts the life of a child with sickle cell disease. The film mentions that stroke is a symptom of sickle ... Read more

September 15, 2021September 15, 2021

What I’ve Learned About Omega-3 Fats and Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

When my son was diagnosed with sickle cell disease 17 months ago, I thought constantly about what this might mean for our future. But I don’t think about it much ... Read more

September 15, 2021September 15, 2021

Sickle Cell Awareness Month Has Shown Me the Power of Community

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

We are in the middle of Sickle Cell Awareness Month, and I can look back on my time as a sickle cell advocate and feel extremely proud about how far ... Read more

September 13, 2021September 13, 2021

Navigating College With Sickle Cell

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

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

September 8, 2021September 8, 2021

What I’ve Learned About Protein and Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

Sickle Cell Awareness Month is here again! I’m very excited about this one because it’s the first year I can wholeheartedly participate. Last year, I was still struggling to accept ... Read more

September 8, 2021September 8, 2021

A Lack of Awareness About Benefits Can Harm Sickle Cell Patients

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

I recently posted on social media about a benefit that London residents with sickle cell disease may be entitled to, and its reception made me both happy and upset. As ... Read more

September 3, 2021September 3, 2021

We Need More Awareness of Aplastic Crises

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

When a sickle cell patient mentions a crisis, most people think of a painful, vaso-occlusive crisis. I can understand why — it’s by far one of the most common complications ... 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 25, 2021August 25, 2021

I’m Happy I Haven’t Been Hospitalized in 2 Years

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

In September, I celebrate two years since my last serious sickle cell crisis and hospitalization. I’m so happy to be in this position, because I don’t take my health for ... 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 20, 2021August 20, 2021

Celebrating Another Birthday With Gratitude

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

Today is my birthday. When I was born, the life expectancy of sickle cell patients in the U.K. was 10 years old. It was worse in Nigeria, at 5 years ... Read more

August 19, 2021August 19, 2021

The Moments From My Childhood When I Realized I Was Different 

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

Sickle cell disease is considered a rare condition. In the U.K., where I live, an estimated 15,000 people have it. In a population of over 66 million, it’s safe to ... 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 11, 2021August 11, 2021

How to Stay Positive With a Chronic Illness

Sickle Cell Disease News Columns

Having sickle cell disease or other chronic conditions means having to overcome many hurdles. For example, receiving bad news about our health can cause us to be sad. While it’s ... Read more