The Duality of Caregiving and CaretakingThe moment I was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia, my parents, specifically my father, knew the presumed fate of his 18-month-old baby, Wunmi. Sickle cell disease (SCD) was not a... By Wunmi Bakare4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
We Can Do Hard ThingsThe one accurate stereotype about sickle cell warriors is how strong we are – though, we should not have to be. To exist as a minority in a world that... By Halimat Olaniyan2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
What Is the Social Health Network?Like our other Health Union condition communities, the Social Health Network brings people together to drive unique and impactful conversations about health. It also aims to expand opportunities for health... By Editorial Team 4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
The Secret Life of a CaregiverOne of the very first things one learns when introduced to a person with sickle cell disease (SCD) is that a pain crisis could strike at any time. As a... By Lena Harvey3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments3 comments
Things I Cannot Do With Avascular NecrosisAvascular necrosis (AVN) is a sickle cell complication that begins suddenly and quickly progresses from stage I to stage IV even without you noticing. Well, at least, I did not... By Abayomi Afolayan3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments5 comments
Imposter SyndromeI’ve been thinking a lot about imposter syndrome lately. Maybe (probably) because I’m applying for residency right now. Residency is the field training you do after graduating from medical school... By Halimat Olaniyan2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Emotional Support Dogs and Sickle Cell DiseaseA couple of weeks ago my princess started to suffer from back pain again. This officially started last year, and it seems to knock on the door for weeks now... By Andressa Hunsel4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
How I Manage Sickle Cell Pain at HomeSickle cell crises are unpredictable and can happen anytime and anywhere. The pain usually starts slowly. I sometimes wonder if I am the only person that gets worried whenever there’s... By Abayomi Afolayan3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments6 comments
Untold Truths About Living With Sickle Cell PainFor many of us, sickle cell disease (SCD) sets precedence for how we show up in our daily lives. It is an invisible disability that riddles our physical, mental, psychological... By Wunmi Bakare3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments6 comments
Avascular Necrosis (AVN) and Sickle CellLike other parts of your body, your bones are composed of living cells that require a steady supply of blood to survive. When something interrupts this blood flow, bone tissue... By Editorial Team 3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Hematologist Talks Stigma and AdvocacyRecently, Halimat, a fourth-year medical student with sickle cell anemia, sat down with Dr. Titilope Fasipe to talk all things sickle cell. Dr. Fasipe is a pediatric hematologist and a... By Halimat Olaniyan1 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Psychological Flexibility: Why It MattersSickle cell is a progressively debilitating blood disorder that can be extremely draining because of its unpredictability. People with sickle cell disease (SCD) must pay attention to warning signs that... By Wunmi Bakare3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
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 laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Thank You, Tiger Woods!In the past 8 years, I've been looking for a fun activity so my little warrior can enjoy life to the fullest while living with sickle cell disease. When you... By Andressa Hunsel3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Living With Sickle Cell as a HematologistDr. Titilope Fasipe is a pediatric hematologist and a sickle cell warrior! She is also the co-director of the Sickle Cell Program at Texas Children's Hospital. If that's not impressive... By Halimat Olaniyan1 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 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 laterReactions 0 reactions Comments3 comments
Sickle Cell and Hurricane IanAs a mom and caregiver, I have only one word........ WAWWW!! When you are a caregiver of a child with sickle cell disease you need to be very cautious about... By Andressa Hunsel4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments9 comments
Decision DayI made it. I recently took the last test of medical school. Wow. When I tell you there were so many times these past few years, especially this last year... By Halimat Olaniyan2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
The Power of Influence: Why I Do What I DoIn the era of digital media, there is one word that is extremely repetitive and banal: influencer. Influencers are the new normal and the role has quickly become the 'it'... By Wunmi Bakare3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
Three Plants I Use to Treat My Sickle Cell SymptomsIt has been around 2 years since I made the decision to stop taking drugs and treatments for my sickle cell. This was a difficult decision to make but at... By Jenica Leah2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments