Fight of a WarriorThe fight warriors fight is a hundred percent underrated if you ask me. Especially for those of us with the SS genotype. From the intense pain to organ damages, bankruptcy... By Rhedd Maya3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Things You Should Never Say to a Sickle Cell WarriorWhen I was labeled as having HIV/AIDS as a child because of how skinny looked back then, I didn’t make much of it. Especially because I didn’t even know what... By Rhedd Maya3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments3 comments
The Addiction Label on Sickle Cell WarriorsWhile scrolling through sickle-cell.com's Facebook comments when I saw tons of comments about sickle cell warriors and addiction. All this time, I didn’t know other warriors faced the same problem... By Rhedd Maya2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Don’t Try to Fit inMany times, the one thing most warriors worry about is fitting in. Why can’t I be like this guy or that girl? Why can’t I feel free to live how... By Rhedd Maya3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
My Experience With HydroxyureaI didn’t know anything about hydroxyurea (hydroxycarbamide) until last year. The government gave out a few for free and I had no idea. Maybe because I stopped looking for a... By Rhedd Maya4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Sickle Cell and Mood SwingsThere are the days I feel alive and the days I don’t. Sometimes in a day, I could be both. Unfortunately, not everyone can tolerate the mood swings of others... By Rhedd Maya3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Keeping the Hope AliveOne of the hardest things to do is try to encourage yourself in your worse moments. It’s easy to smile and be yourself when you’re not sick or not experiencing... By Rhedd Maya3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments3 comments
The Pain I Have to Deal WithContent Note: This article alludes to suicide. If you or a loved one are struggling, consider reading our mental health resources page. I am tired of being a warrior. At... By Rhedd Maya3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Preparing for Dating as a CrescentWhen most people talk about dating and marriage, it’s about the other person. For me, my mental health, self-care, and happiness come first before anyone else. I think dating is... By Rhedd Maya4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
What Sickle Cell Cost MeSickle cell is a thief of joy and happiness. Most patients try to live through it all and smile as much as possible but this doesn’t take away the fact... By Rhedd Maya3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments4 comments
My Mental Health With Sickle Cell DiseaseI recently got diagnosed with bipolar disorder. It seems the struggles of living with sickle cell keep piling up over the days, from one (unsolved) problem to another. I must... By Rhedd Maya3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments2 comments
The Act of Fitting InAfter my mum's death, I had to go and live with my aunty Mabel. Dad enrolled me in a private school called Kay Billie Klear. It was attended by very... By Rhedd Maya3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments4 comments
My Self-Care RoutineSelf-care is very essential to living and growth. Maintaining the stand to choose yourself every time is a real struggle for most people. Not that they disregard its importance and... By Rhedd Maya3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Recognizing Past Challenges and Prioritizing My Mental HealthContent Warning: This article discusses abuse and suicidal thoughts. If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please text or call National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or... By Rhedd Maya3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments5 comments
Questioning Yourself?A lot of things go through my mind. Especially now that I’m stuck on crutches due to vascular necrosis. I ask myself "why?" I know the importance of self-sufficiency, hope... By Rhedd Maya1 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Living Within My Means as a WarriorI believe I was born to be rich. I can tell by the size of my dreams and aspirations. I set goals that scare me and keep me awake at... By Rhedd Maya4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments6 comments
Unmade MemoriesIt is always wise to plan activities way ahead of time. This is supposed to help make the outcome be well planned out before the day to avoid stress and... By Rhedd Maya3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Misconceptions on Drug Use and DependencyPain is unbearable, even for the strongest warrior and soldiers. The measurements health officials put on pain are totally unnecessary if you ask me. Why? Whether the pain is at... By Rhedd Maya3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Sometimes It's Okay to Be Perceived as DefensiveOne problem most SCD patients face is verbal abuse. The things people say to us are sometimes too mean and unfair. We mostly can’t do anything about this. It practically... By Rhedd Maya3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments10 comments
Alone Isn't LonelyWhen sickle cell patients talk about how it affects their love life, most people think it’s an extreme exaggeration. Sadly, this is actually true. The first person I ever dated... By Rhedd Maya4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments3 comments