RAISING MY CHILD WHO LIVES WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE.

My son Brian was diagnosed with Sickle cell disease when he was 9 years old. I thank God he is now grown and in high school. It has been very difficult especially buying him medication, the hospital visits and admissions. I need to also ensure he is taking a balanced diet .Sickle Cell is a very expensive disease I must say !

He takes Hydroxyurea every day, folic acid and a pain killer when he’s in pain. My lowest moments are when he is sick and in pain yet I cannot do anything to ease the pain. Sometimes I am called to go and pick him from school because he is very sick .Sickle cell interferes with his schooling a lot but i am proud of my son .He keeps going to school no matter what. He knows the importance of being educated and i tell him this always .

Stigma is another giant that brings us down. The society has failed big time ! Instead of offering a helping hand, people prefer talking ill of you and your child. We need your support we don’t need individuals talking behind our backs. This is a journey that is very difficult but if we are embraced by society then the burden is already eased .

We should not be discriminated or treated differently .Sickle cell is just a condition like any other.