"They used to say people like us don’t live long. But here I am.”
I learned early that with sickle cell, you cannot live carelessly. I've always made my life very structured becasue of this. I knew it was my only chance. I woke up by 5:30am. Prepared for my day. Got to work early. For 28 years, I worked in banking as an Inspectorate. Very detailed work. I wouldn't have survived or grown under the stigma of being a sickle cell warrior plus being the only woman in the office.
So, I never spoke about my condition. I focused on my work.
At home, we had a system. Everybody had responsibilities. It reduced stress. Stress is extra dangerous for us.
Crisis will come. The pain… it is not something you explain easily. It is worse than labour. But you manage it. You must understand how to.
Knowledge helps you survive. Even in marriage, I was very intentional. I chose a partner who would not pass this condition to my children.
Today, I am 71. I have children. I have lived a full life.
Sickle cell is not the end. But you must live with wisdom.