The Sickle Cell Crusader — Oluwatosin Adesoye

As I reflect on my life’s journey with sickle cell disease, I’ve concluded that one of the most important factors in managing it is having a sound support system. A great support system has made the journey easier and the load lighter for me, alleviating some of my challenges.

Here in Nigeria, growing into adulthood with sickle cell disease used to be considered an impossibility. Sadly, people like me who were living with sickle cell disease were labeled as “abiku,” which means “born to die soon.” I, too, was told by many that I wouldn’t survive beyond…

Pica is a disorder characterized by a persistent craving and consumption of nonnutritive or nonfood substances, such as soap, tissue, chalk, ice, paper, sand, or charcoal. This behavior can be harmful and even poisonous, posing significant health risks. According to an article published in 2020 in the journal JBI…

Cardiomegaly, or having an enlarged heart, is a significant manifestation and a direct complication of sickle cell disease. It’s a common sign of cardiovascular issues and is more prevalent in adult patients. Sickle cell disease itself is a chronic state of anemic that occurs as a result…

Sickle cell disease can be challenging to manage at any stage of life, but perhaps especially so for students with moderate to severe disease pursuing higher education. The stress of school can often trigger sickle cell crises, making it crucial for patients to prioritize their health when furthering…

Sickle cell disease doesn’t only affect people physically; it can also result in social stigma, which occurs in schools, workplaces, healthcare settings, and even within families. At the core of sickle cell stigma lies the term “sickler.” While the word can be used simply to refer to people…

Pain and anemia seem to be the loud hallmarks of sickle cell disease. Because many patients and caregivers prioritize addressing the challenges posed by these issues, they tend to overlook infections. But despite their quieter nature, infections pose a grave threat and stand as the leading cause…

Living with sickle cell disease presents unique challenges that can impact various aspects of one’s life, including romantic relationships. The experiences of those with sickle cell disease vary greatly, which affects how each of us approaches and maintains our relationships. In over three decades of living with the…

Living with sickle cell disease for nearly 38 years has taken me through various phases: an initial phase of cluelessness about sickle cell complications, a phase marked by fear of those potential complications, and the current phase, in which I’ve managed to conquer that fear. During my childhood…

As a survivor of sickle cell challenges and a passionate advocate for sickle cell disease prevention and a cure, if I were put under duress to choose between prevention and a cure, I would prioritize prevention, despite many alternative viewpoints. The reason is because prevention is paramount to reducing…

In people with sickle cell disease, episodes of pain are often referred to as sickle cell crises and can lead to frequent hospitalizations. These crises may be precipitated by various triggers. As I matured, I became aware of what triggers a crisis for me. I learned to…

Growing up, health professionals and others often told me I didn’t look like a sickle cell patient. Their remarks left me wondering what was so unusual about my appearance and what I was expected to look like as someone living with sickle cell disease. One vivid memory from…