Mission Statement

Sickle Cell Warriors is a dynamic group of families, patients and caregivers who have been dealing with all types of sickle cell. The message of this group is that we are not sufferers to be pitied, but we are survivors. We seek to break the silence of sickle cell, and share our story on how sickle cell has affected us. We plan to change the face of sickle cell, and bring a new layer of humanity to the world so that sickle cell warriors no longer have to deal with stigma, harsh treatment and ignorance by people around us.

Sickle cell has been discovered for over 100 years, and yet, it is still a condition in many parts of the world as a blight on the sickle cell warrior. There are over 5 million people in the world with sickle cell, and millions more with the sickle cell trait. This means that the disease is here to stay, and sickle cell patients are now in every town and city in the world.

Sickle cell is not a ‘black disease’, as it affects those with Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Indian, African, South American, and even Asian ancestry. And thanks to migration, inter-racial relationships and the global village; sickle cell patients are in every single nation in the world.

To the misinformed masses: Sickle cell warriors tend to bear their pain stoically and silently. Most of us are in pain almost every single day of our lives, and yet; unless we told you ~ you would never know it. We do not want your pity, but we do want your understanding and respect.

To the medical professionals: Sickle cell patients do not want to come to the hospital,  yet we do, because we are in so much pain that our usual strategies are ineffective. We come, asking you to help us relieve this agony—not judge us, ignore us, or treat us like drug addicts. We have been treated very badly in the past, and yet, we still need to come to the hospital for treatment. Everything you do: knowingly and unknowingly…everything you say, every facial expression you exhibit; it just adds to the agony that we are going through. Please be compassionate. Please have a heart.

To the sickle cell warriors out there: Our message is that sickle cell does not have to define you: you are not just a patient or a sickler. You are a wonderful and amazing person with a formidable will power and inner strength. Sickle cell is not a burden, but a condition that teaches you to live a life of balance and moderation. There are sickle cell warriors that are doctors, nurses, CEOs, ministers, thrill junkies, athletes and performers. You can be anything you want to be, anything you set your heart and mind to, you can do. Do not allow sickle cell to limit you in any way.