Posts by: Mary Shaniqua

Mary Shaniqua

Mary is a 30-year-old London-based sickle cell patient using her experiences to build up others and raise awareness of what it’s like to live with a rare disease.

January 22, 2021January 20, 2021

Sickle Cell May Knock Me Down, but I Will Stand Back Up

Columns, Shaniqua’s Sickle Chronicles – a Column by Mary Shaniqua

In a previous column, I mentioned some of the good things that happened to me last year. This included a decrease in my iron levels and my subsequent switch ... Read more

January 8, 2021January 5, 2021

2020 Was Challenging, but I’m Grateful for My Progress

Columns, Shaniqua’s Sickle Chronicles – a Column by Mary Shaniqua

Just like that, 2020 is over. What a year! I do not think 2020 turned out as expected or planned for anybody at all. When the year started, I ... Read more

December 18, 2020December 16, 2020

Tips for Staying Healthy This Holiday Season

Columns, Shaniqua’s Sickle Chronicles – a Column by Mary Shaniqua

Here’s a little fun fact about me: Christmas is my second favorite time of year after August, which I like because it’s one of the hottest months here in ... Read more

November 20, 2020November 18, 2020

Switching Treatments Helped to Reduce My Iron Overload

Columns, Shaniqua’s Sickle Chronicles – a Column by Mary Shaniqua

Iron overload is a side effect that some sickle cell patients suffer from as a result of blood transfusion programs being used as long-term treatment plans. Back in September, ... Read more

November 6, 2020November 4, 2020

What Does It Mean to Be Successful?

Columns, Shaniqua’s Sickle Chronicles – a Column by Mary Shaniqua

Recently, I was playing a question-and-answer game with my partner, and one question that came up was, “What message would you like to tell your younger self?” My answer ... Read more

October 23, 2020October 21, 2020

How I Manage a Sickle Cell Crisis at Home

Columns, Shaniqua’s Sickle Chronicles – a Column by Mary Shaniqua

In a previous column, I spoke about some of the things that trigger a sickle cell crisis. This week, I want to share some pointers on how I try ... Read more

October 9, 2020October 8, 2020

Here’s What Triggers a Sickle Cell Crisis for Me

Columns, Shaniqua’s Sickle Chronicles – a Column by Mary Shaniqua

A sickle cell crisis is one of the main symptoms sickle cell patients face. However, just because we all experience the same symptoms, or similar ones, it doesn’t mean ... Read more

September 18, 2020September 17, 2020

Trying a Different Medication to Address Iron Overload

Columns, Shaniqua’s Sickle Chronicles – a Column by Mary Shaniqua

Iron overload is a common side effect for sickle cell patients participating in blood transfusion programs. When this happens, the body’s excessive iron levels can cause an accumulation of ... Read more

September 4, 2020September 1, 2020

My Birthday Wish for Sickle Cell Patients

Columns, Shaniqua’s Sickle Chronicles – a Column by Mary Shaniqua

I turned 31 on Aug. 20, 2020. That’s 31 years as a sickle cell patient, and what a journey it has been so far! As sickle cell patients, we ... Read more

August 7, 2020August 5, 2020

What Not to Say to Someone With Sickle Cell

Columns, Shaniqua’s Sickle Chronicles – a Column by Mary Shaniqua

Have you ever informed somebody of your diagnosis and found their response to be a little annoying? I often have. I try to extend grace in such situations because ... Read more