Shaniqua’s Sickle Chronicles – a Column by 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.

Exploring some of the lesser-known symptoms of sickle cell

Two of the most commonly known symptoms of sickle cell disease are a vaso-occlusive crisis (perhaps the best-known symptom) and fatigue. But others aren’t so well-known; in fact, I’d say most people aren’t aware of them. Here are a few of those lesser-known symptoms. Stunted growth. If you know…

Here’s the truth about disability and employment

In the wake of the British government announcing recently that it plans to cut its welfare budget by more than £5 billion ($6.5 billion), I’ve noticed a shocking number of comments in mainstream and social media that seek to shame the disabled population with harmful rhetoric and negative stereotypes. To…

Reminiscing about the old me as I look to the future

Here’s a feeling that I’m certain other sickle cell disease patients relate to, and who knows, perhaps their carers do, too: It’s astounding how much sickle cell can change the body over time. I know I say it often, but honestly, it feels like the disease has its own…