Personal Experiences with Sickle Cell

What exactly is sickle cell anemia?
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a series of genetic blood abnormalities that can cause red blood cells to become rigid and sticky, obstructing the flow of blood and oxygen throughout the body. This obstruction can result in excruciating pain (sometimes known as a pain crisis), life-threatening infections, stroke, and other catastrophic complications (health problems). SCD can be managed by focusing on preventing and treating these problems using lifestyle modifications, medical tests and interventions, and particular treatments to improve the quality of life and prolong the lives of persons with SCD.

What is the purpose of the Stories of Sickle Cell project?
The History of Sickle Cell
The Stories of Sickle Cell project highlights the varied narratives and identities of persons living with sickle cell disease. Individuals with SCD are more than their condition. They are individuals with genuine ambitions and aspirations who suffer the same problems, victories, and disappointments as everyone else. They have SCD, but it does not define who they are or what they are capable of achieving. The Anecdotes of Sickle Cell series aims to create a deeper understanding of people living with SCD through videos, short stories, and a photoblog in order to destigmatize the disease and encourage action in support of the SCD community.