Posts by: Mary Shaniqua

Mary Shaniqua

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

July 17, 2020July 15, 2020

Staying at Home Has Helped Me Follow a Healthier Routine

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

Living in lockdown the past few months has been quite an experience. If you had asked me before the pandemic if I could stay indoors for 12 weeks and ... Read more

June 19, 2020June 17, 2020

Here Are Ways to Help Friends with Sickle Cell Disease

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

Whenever I meet new people and tell them I have sickle cell disease (and explain what it is), they often ask how they can help. June 19 is World ... Read more

June 12, 2020June 11, 2020

Listening to Sickle Cell Patients Is Crucial During a Crisis

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

I recently was admitted to the hospital during a sickle cell crisis and because of suspected COVID-19. My experience was harrowing. I have experienced many things as a sickle ... Read more

May 22, 2020May 21, 2020

What’s Inside My Medicine Cabinet?

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

Living with sickle cell disease, I rely on several medications and treatments for various situations. In general, I take medications for my own well-being, as research shows that sickle ... Read more

April 21, 2020June 11, 2020

Sickle Cell, Darwinism, and COVID-19: Is My Life Worth Less Than Yours?

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

“Survival of the fittest” is a phrase I have come to loathe. This manner of thinking is particularly appalling to hear as a sickle cell patient. I have heard ... Read more

April 7, 2020April 6, 2020

During Lockdown, It’s OK to Rest, Too

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

I was hospitalized on March 3 with a sickle cell crisis and discharged 12 days later. I then spent a week recovering at home. Under normal circumstances, I would ... Read more

March 31, 2020April 3, 2020

The Isolation Diaries

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

On March 16, 2020, United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, vulnerable citizens should shield themselves for 12 weeks. My instant ... Read more

March 17, 2020March 16, 2020

Welcome to ‘Shaniqua’s Sickle Chronicles,’ My Story of Sickle Cell Disease

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

If someone asked you to tell your life story, what would you say? We all have a story. Some might begin by describing their life from the point of ... Read more