Columns

For the sickle cell disease community, September is an important time for advocacy and raising awareness, because it’s National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. This year’s theme is “Sickle Cell Matters.” For me, the month isn’t only about raising awareness; it’s also about educating the public, advocating for…

I once thought I might be one of the few people living with sickle cell disease who do not experience mood swings. However, upon deeper self-reflection, I realized that I might very well be the queen of them. Mood swings are a common complication of sickle cell disease,…

I celebrated yet another birthday last week. I love birthdays. As someone living with sickle cell disease and the difficulties it brings, I’ve learned that life is fickle. Therefore, it’s important to be grateful for every year and to celebrate the gift of life. A celebration doesn’t always have…

I once believed that the stigma surrounding sickle cell disease only existed outside of the sickle cell community, perpetrated by those who don’t live with the condition. However, my experiences interacting with fellow patients and joining sickle cell support groups have revealed a harsh reality: Stigma,…

Every now and then, something happens that motivates me to educate others about how a particular action, policy, or system is oppressive to me, as a Black woman with sickle cell disease. It’s always a difficult conversation, but almost always necessary — in many cases for societal equity. This…

Managing sickle cell pain can be extremely challenging. While medical interventions remain the mainstay of treatment, nonmedical strategies like distraction can sometimes be effective in relieving mild to moderate pain. Distractions are therapeutic strategies, activities, or interventions that divert attention away from pain and discomfort, providing relief during…

Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with fasting. Not everyone will have the same response to it. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a fasting practice. Challenging myself has often been a double-edged sword. If I push too far, I end up with crisis pain…

The sickle cell community needs unity if we are ever going to see change. A few weeks back, I came across someone trying to start a charity for sickle cell patients. Ordinarily, you would think that as a sickle cell patient, I would find this heartwarming. But I had…

Last week, I shared news of my most recent hospital admission for sickle cell disease. One of the by-products of a sudden hospitalization is the interruption to my social life, family life, and work life. Because of ableism and discrimination, navigating the workplace as a disabled employee…

Growing up in South London is a rare experience. There’s a plethora of rich and diverse African and Caribbean communities that have influenced the area’s culture. Word of mouth goes a long way, and sharing stories builds relationships and community. These stories often feature our lived experiences, including the injustices,…