What is sickle cell anemia? From my perspective, it is a condition whereby the red blood cells of a person looses its oxygen content and causes the cells to squash to a sickle shape thereby triggering pain in the joints of that individual because of their inability to smoothly flow through the blood vessels. 

My name is Onuoma and I possess the SS genotype. The aim of my blog is to share insights to individuals out there who are struggling with this condition and by so doing shine a ray of hope to them. I  have been through various kinds of situations and it’s only the grace of God that has brought me thus far.

The worst thing that can happen to you as a sickle cell warrior is to lose hope because once you do you have lost your ability to fight and that’s the reason why so many warriors give up. I know this because I’ve been there.

Saying this brings tears to my eyes because I understand your pain and your sorrow, 

I understand  the reason for your disposition but one thing you need to realize is that there is a purpose for your life and there is nothing more important in this life than to fulfill it. Please brace up and keep moving on, see yourself as that special person that God has created.

DON’T GIVE UP. 

If this will give you any succor, warriors are very intelligent and highly gifted individuals, I know this because I’m one. I graduated with a 2nd class upper at the university and I know if I had pushed myself harder, I would have made a first class. This is just a little insight into my life. Hold on a bit because I’m going to be sharing further aspects of my life with you.

For all caregivers to SCD warriors out there, please give them your support and consolation. They need you to understand and be there for them in their pain and sufferings. Don’t shun them or be a stumbling block to cause them to lose their hope. On many occasions they are not lying about their difficulties or challenges. Don’t get tired of consoling them, be a pillar of encouragement to them and they won’t disappoint you. 

The worst thing you can do to any warrior is to cause them to question the reason for their existence. You will by so doing, cause them to loose their ability to fight which could eventually cause them to give up.

Be kind to them and render whatever support you can to them but never let them feel they cannot attain like other individuals. Give them a little push every now and then as this will make them stronger. For example if they are in good health and their siblings are performing household chores, give them also a little to do but note that their strength in their growing ages may be minimal as they have the tendency to get easily tired from strenuous activities. Never let them think that they cannot become who they want to be. 

I remember during the early stages of my growth, I told my parents that I wanted to march at my school’s inter-house sports. My mum initially objected but later changed her mind and allowed me to to be a part of it. It was very stressful like she thought but it didn’t stop me. I did it as a child and although I fell ill after the sports games, it made me realize the extent of my strength and my limitation. If you shield sicklers from everything, they will never know the extent of their strength / limitations like other individuals.

So for now, i’ll  stop here and will continue sharing more at my next post next week.

Think of all the things I have shared on this post but most importantly remember that If you are an SCD warrior, you are a special individual with a little challenge. God loves you and wants you to fulfill your divine destiny.