Tito Oye,  —

Tito is a 23-year-old London-based tenancy manager and lover of life. For as long as she can remember, she’s had a passion for helping others. She writes to help others realize that sickle cell doesn’t need to define their entire identity.

Articles by Tito Oye

Sickle Cell Takes a Toll on My Veins

Small veins and sickle cell are never a good mix. As luck would have it, I have both! From an early age, I associated my health with injections. I would beg not to be taken to the hospital to treat a crisis, as I knew I would be treated…

Don’t Take Good Health for Granted

Dealing with sickle cell disease is a constant battle. In every moment, I either am fighting my way out of a painful crisis or fighting to stay out of a crisis. There is no rest. I can’t take my foot off the gas. I can’t decide one…

What Does a Sickle Cell Crisis Feel Like?

One of the most widely discussed symptoms of sickle cell anemia is a sickle cell crisis. This is an episode of pain caused when sickle-shaped red blood cells block the body’s blood vessels and prevent oxygen from flowing. One can read the biological explanations of such a crisis, but…

How I Prepared for the Intense ‘1,000 Reps Challenge’

My activity levels have steeply dipped because I’ve been restricted to my house. I’m unable to go on my normal walks or to the gym, and many friends are in a similar position thanks to the pandemic. To combat inactivity, my friend proposed an exercise challenge: “The 1,000 Reps Challenge.”…

‘What’s Wrong with You Now?’

“What’s wrong with you now?” I am all too familiar with that phrase. From a young age, I have often felt like I’ve had to prove myself in regards to my health. As if this disability isn’t enough, I’ve also had to deal with others’ opinions. Sickle cell can be…

Keeping Safe During a Lockdown

In the early days of this outbreak, only a couple of media outlets nonchalantly reported the events surrounding COVID-19. Back then, we had no idea how serious this virus was. The word coronavirus wasn’t even an active part of my vocabulary. Fast-forward a few months later and it…

The Importance of Practicing Gratitude

The intentional practice of gratitude is an essential life skill that’s helped me endure the toughest situations. A couple of years ago, my health went through a really tough period. I thought I knew everything about managing sickle cell but everything…