“Life is so precious and taken for granted until something in life causes you to pause and take account of what is really important.”

South Communi tyB loodCenters

This is my story. “Are you living, or are you existing?” I love this quote because over the past three years as sickle cell disease has begun its attack against my body and mind, many days I feel like I am just here, existing.

During my childhood, there was no difference between myself and other children. I played outside, participated in sports and school activities, but there were two instances where the disease affected me. I had pneumonia and received blood transfusions around the age of eight, and in college, I experienced a serious infection and again needed a blood transfusion.

Never in a million years would I have imagined not being able to do simple things like cooking, driving, washing my hair, having children, and putting on my clothes. Life is so precious and taken for granted until something in life causes you to pause and take account of what is really important Every day, I have to do things based on how my body feels. I have no control over it.

Many days it seems like there is a terrorist in my body, waging war and I have no defense to stop it. I love my husband so much because he is always by my side. My family and friends are always at my beck and call to do whatever is needed. I don’t know how I could make it through some of my worst days with the love and support of my friends and family.

I have hope that a cure will come to fruition soon for adults with sickle cell. They say the life expectancy for adults with sickle cell is approximately 40-50 years old. My hope is the community will put this disease on their radar, so healing and wholeness can begin to dwell in the lives of those with sickle cell. The most common treatment for patients with

complications from sickle cell disease is a blood transfusion. Donors are needed every day to help them survive. Maybe you could be a Sickle Cell Hero.