Recently, I’ve been receiving international professional opportunities, which have made me think about a question I’ve avoided for years: What would I do if an opportunity I’ve always dreamed about required me to travel abroad by airplane? What happens when one of your greatest career dreams comes within reach, but…
The Sickle Cell Crusader - a Column by Oluwatosin Adesoye
For the past five years, I have looked forward to turning 40. When my birthday finally arrived on Oct. 18, I expected a quiet day at home. I planned to rest before my big birthday party this weekend, perhaps with a few visits from family and friends. Little did I…
Is sickle cell disease (SCD) a blessing or a curse? I came across this question on social media a few days ago. As I prepare to turn 40, my answer, shaped by four decades of living with SCD, is that, to me, it is neither. It has become part…
Last week, every deep breath brought excruciating chest pain that felt as though my ribs were crashing into one another. The symptoms reminded me of acute chest syndrome, a serious sickle cell disease (SCD) complication I have rarely discussed on my platform. As I recovered, I found myself thinking…
When I joined Bionews, the publisher of this website, in 2023 as a freelance sickle cell disease (SCD) columnist, I experienced something that stayed with me. As someone living with a rare disease, I wasn’t the only person like me in the workplace. Several colleagues also lived with chronic…
Hospital admissions can feel overwhelming when you live with sickle cell disease (SCD), regardless of where you receive care. Here in Nigeria, the experience can differ from what someone might see in the United States, but the emotional weight of an admission can feel remarkably similar. Research commonly identifies…
Keeping a job while living with sickle cell disease (SCD) can be challenging, especially when you have moderate to severe disease. Symptoms and complications can make it harder to maintain regular work hours or remain in a demanding career. For many warriors, unemployment and financial hardship can add to…
Previously, I’d never publicly shared my experiences with delayed puberty and how deeply it affected me. Looking back, I realize that it was an important part of my journey with sickle cell disease (SCD). I hope my story will help young warriors and caregivers understand this often-overlooked complication and…
Can people who don’t have sickle cell disease (SCD) advocate for the community? Absolutely. However, I think there is an important distinction that deserves attention. Usually, most advocates are patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, or family members of people living with the disease. However, I’ve recently seen an influx of…
I recently asked myself a simple question: What does it really mean to live well with sickle cell disease (SCD)? Can someone with a severe, lifelong condition genuinely say they are living well? After reflecting on my journey, I realized that living well has little to do with having…
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