Dear sickle cell,
You sure know how to make an entrance, you sneak your crescent shaped self into blood vessels, and from the moment a child takes their first breath you have made your presence known. Like an unwanted visitor, you barge in uninvited, no warning, no apology and make yourself right at home. For those born with you, there’s often little to no break from the pain the discomfort, the constant unpredictability. You arrive wrapped in mutated genes, like a twisted gift no one asked for – a special delivery passed down from parents without their knowledge.
The frequent hospital visits, pain crises, missed school days, the mental and emotional rollercoaster these are just a few of the battles that sickle cell warriors face simply because you dear Sickle cell, decided to wedge your sickle- shaped self into their bloodstream and interrupt the natural flow of life.
But What is sickle cell Disease ?
It is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. In SCD, the red blood cells become hard and sticky and look like a C-shaped farm tool called a “sickle” which block the vessel leading to anemia, infections, multiorgan damage, stroke, excruciating pain and shortened lifespan. The different types of SCD are Hbss, Hbsc and Hbs Beta Thalessemia.
How is Sickle cell inherited ?
It is passed down from parents to their children. It occurs when a child inherits two sickle cell genes—one from each parent. If both parents carry the sickle cell trait (AS), there’s a 25% chance with each pregnancy that the child will be born with Sickle Cell Disease (SS). Many carriers don’t even know they have the trait until they get tested or have a child affected by the condition. Genetic counseling and early screening are crucial tools in understanding and managing the risk .
Sickle cell trait vs Disease
People who have sickle cell trait inherited a hemoglobin S gene from only one parent. They inherited a normal gene from their other parent. People with sickle cell trait usually do not have symptoms of SCD but they can still pass the gene to their children. However under extreme conditions like severe dehydration, low oxygen levels or high intensity exercise they may experience mild symptoms.
Treatment and management
There is currently no universal cure for Sickle Cell Disease although bone marrow or stem cell transplants offer potential cure but are not accessible or suitable for all patients. The victims quality of life is improved by blood transfusions, pain management and hydration.
Rasing Awareness
June 19 is World Sickle cell day a time to amplify voices, spread awareness, and bring global visibility to a condition that affects millions. SCD is more than a medical diagnosis; it’s a daily reality for countless individuals, many of whom fight silent, invisible battles.
Raising awareness ensures that warriors are seen, their pain acknowledged, and their needs prioritized. It promotes early diagnosis, access to better treatment, and drives funding toward improved care and research. Most importantly, awareness replaces stigma with knowledge and knowledge creates space for empathy, advocacy, and lasting change.
To every sickle cell warrior out there: sickle cell disease does not control you, It does not define who you are. Your strength, resilience and courage speak louder than any diagnosis ever could. And to everyone else—know your genotype. A simple test today could protect your future child from a lifetime of pain. Awareness begins with action. Let love be informed.
Sharon Jeremiah Anuye.
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