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I’ve been reflecting on what it means to have an invisible condition. Sickle cell disease is often called an invisible illness because you can’t immediately see it and it’s poorly understood. Life would be easier if people could tell that I had sickle cell and not make assumptions…

I graduated from college in 2010. Fortunately for me, I was able to secure a job before I had even finished school. In August of that year, after finishing my final exams, submitting my dissertation, and passing a background check, I began a full-time job. I’ve been working ever since,…

“I have another patient with sickle cell disease, but she’s not affected as severely as you. What’s wrong with you?” “This person has your same genotype. Why isn’t she experiencing the same sickle cell complications as you are?” “I know a sickle cell warrior who can do this…

As I write, a familiar chorus plays in the background, followed by the line, “Please swallow your pride.” Aside from the hook, I’ve never really listened to the lyrics of Bill Withers’ “Lean on Me,” but this line struck me. As someone with sickle cell disease, my stance…

Even though I already had my hands full with two toddlers, I agreed to help take care of my young cousin when my mother suggested it. She’d called to tell me that my aunt Celina, who’d recently lost her first son to sickle cell disease and was still in…

February is often known as the month of love. That makes it an interesting time in the sickle cell community, as I often see differing viewpoints on how to approach dating with the disease. This week, I’ll be speaking on Instagram about love and sickle cell. To…

I’ve shared some of the hurdles I face when traveling abroad as someone with sickle cell disease. I now have something else to add to the list. I recently returned home to the U.K. after a three-week trip to Jamaica. Not only was it my first long-haul flight,…

“I have sickle cell disease. So what?” That was my reaction as an 11-year-old girl about 24 hours after I learned I had sickle cell disease. Even though I had the disease, I was still the best student in my class and had a lovely family. Apart from…

For Rare Disease Day on Feb. 28, I’ll be speaking to medical professionals about sickle cell disease and how they can better support our community. It’s a brilliant opportunity to influence future change and leave a lasting impression on healthcare professionals. In preparation, I have reflected on…

As a child, I was never exposed to serious illnesses like sickle cell disease. Now that I think about it, I was really blessed in that respect. The first time I heard about sickle cell was when I was a teenager and my older sister characterized her best friend…