My online sickle cell community reminds me that I am not alone
Sickle Cell Celebs helped to make my 40th birthday an unforgettable one
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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 know that my online sickle cell disease (SCD) community had a surprise waiting for me that would leave me emotional and speechless.
I wasn’t expecting anything elaborate for my birthday, but I did expect to receive birthday messages from friends and members of Sickle Cell Celebs (SCC), the online community I founded. What they planned was something far more personal than anything I could’ve imagined.
I woke up to a phone call informing me that a delivery from SCC was on its way. I could hardly believe what I was hearing! The members had secretly organized a surprise among themselves, and with my aunt’s help, they got me.
The surprise included a beautiful cake from a vendor I had already hired to bake the cake for my upcoming party. Coincidentally — or maybe not — the members had chosen the same vendor, who also helped coordinate the delivery, making the gesture even more special.
I was overwhelmed when I saw everything they had sent. Their gifts included a large cake, bags, a beautifully framed picture of me, and a customized diary inscribed with the words, “SCC MAMA @ 40 (FORTY & FABULOUS).”
Even a day after my birthday, I am still trying to process how much thought and love went into the gesture. I keep asking myself, “What have I done to deserve so much love from my online sickle cell family?”
The community I built became family
I founded SCC seven years ago to create a support group where people living with SCD and their caregivers could access health education, connect with others, and advocate for our community.
Beyond education and advocacy, I wanted to create a safe space where people experiencing severe SCD complications could find comfort, companionship, and psychosocial support. I envisioned a home away from home where members could share their experiences, encourage one another, and find moments of happiness despite the challenges of living with a chronic condition.
When I started the community, I wasn’t thinking about receiving gifts, recognition, or rewards. I simply wanted to make a difference in the lives of people affected by SCD.
Yesterday’s surprise reminded me that the impact of building a supportive community can extend far beyond what its founder might imagine. Over the years, SCC has grown into more than a platform for sharing information. It has become a family connected by shared experiences, understanding, and a desire to support one another.
More than just a birthday gift
Seeing members of a community I built from the ground up come together to celebrate me was deeply emotional. For once, I wasn’t simply the physician, advocate, or community founder working to support others. I was the person being celebrated by the very people I had hoped to serve.
Their gesture reminded me of how far SCC has come, the relationships we have built, and the impact we continue to make in the lives of people affected by SCD. Most importantly, it showed me that our community is about more than the information we share or the advocacy we pursue. It is also about love, belonging, and showing up for one another.
I am incredibly grateful to every SCC member who contributed to making my 40th birthday unforgettable. You didn’t just give me beautiful gifts — you gave me a memory I will cherish for years to come.
As I begin this new decade of my life, I feel even prouder of the community we have built together. I founded SCC to help others feel less alone, but my SCC family reminded me that I am not alone, either. And that is a gift no birthday cake or photo frame could ever fully capture.
Note: Sickle Cell Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Sickle Cell Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to sickle cell disease.
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