My Sickle Cell Advocacy at Church Brings Unexpected Healing
Growing up in my African household, religion was a core element of my upbringing. As a family and community, we would thank God for all aspects of life and pray diligently for healing and…
Sickle Sagas — Dunstan Nicol-Wilson
Dunstan Nicol-Wilson is a clinical project manager from South East London, United Kingdom. Dunstan has his master’s in public health with a global health focus. Dunstan was diagnosed with the “invisible disorder” sickle cell disease from birth in 1993. He hopes that his column will raise awareness for this disease, encourage others to share their stories, and showcase all the ups and downs of living with a rare condition. Dunstan loves anime, cooking, and Manchester United.
Featured Post
Even when I’m perplexed, my community helps me feel validated
As I’ve grown older with sickle cell disease, I’ve come to appreciate the incredible community that’s emerged. This network connects us, amplifies our voices, and gives us a platform to share our experiences.
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Left to Avoid a Crisis, Right to Trigger One
I love playing adventure games, especially those in which your decisions affect the story’s outcome. For example, if you choose to steal, you’re a villain, and if you choose to share your possessions, you…
It’s OK Not to Be OK With Sickle Cell Disease
Representation of different people in all areas of society is key to empowering the next generation. Having a role model that looks or talks like you validates your own experience. But as a Black…
For My Birthday, I’m Trying to Focus on Life, Not Death
April is my birth month, and as my birthday approaches, I am deep in thought. My thoughts flash ahead, worrying about how close I am to old age. Similarly, I go backward in time,…
How UK Hospitals Can Improve Sickle Cell Crisis Care
No one enjoys being hospitalized. I hate it when a sickle cell crisis forces me to call an ambulance. This is due to the severe pain I experience during a crisis and the fear…
What Parents of Children With Sickle Cell Should Know
Last week, I was privileged to facilitate a discussion between two mothers who have children with sickle cell disease. I can only imagine how difficult it must be for a parent to see…
My Career Was Shaped by Sickle Cell
I’ve had the opportunity to work with some amazing people who have given me the space to grow and develop. These experiences have been invaluable, and as a manager, I’ve been sharing them with…
With Sickle Cell Disease, Exercise Is a Double-edged Sword
The constant pandemic lockdowns and quarantines in the past two years caused me to put on a considerable amount of what I call “quarantine weight.” My fitness levels dropped below my standard,…
Should I Leave My Safe Space?
In the past, whenever I had a sickle cell crisis, I often felt like I’d made a mistake. It was my fault that I’d triggered the episode. Thoughts such as “Why did I…
My Support Network Is More Than an Audience During a Crisis
I’ve often considered myself unlucky to carry the burden of sickle cell disease, which sometimes seems insurmountable. The journey can be isolating. I have aches and pains that nobody can see and emotions I’m still…
Want to Have Children Without Sickle Cell? Think Through the Options
Every year on my Twitter feed, I see a tweet about how important it is to know your genotype, as well as your partner’s. I agree with the rationale for this; it’s important…
Telling a Potential Partner That I Have Sickle Cell Disease
The dating scene has shifted significantly in recent years. It’s common nowadays to meet people online through social media or dating apps. Virtual dating allows someone to create a profile that showcases their best…
