At the recently concluded World Sickle Cell Day Awareness Campaign themed “Awareness, Prevention & Treatment (APT) Providing Innovation Strategies to Address Sickle Cell Disease in Nigeria hosted at the Hilton, Abuja today Thursday, by the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation, a sickle cell warrior, named Lola Ogunrinade shows her battle scars to the world in a moving speech.
These were her words:
My name is Omolola Ogunrinade. I have lived with sickle cell for over two decades and it is by God’s grace that I am still alive. I am fortunate to stand before you all today.
This is my story….
I was diagnosed with sickle cell at the tender age of 5.As I grew older; the condition forced me to develop an inner strength that will help me live through my fears, pain, stress and ridicule.
I spent most of my youth in the hospital; bed ridden, crying as I felt the excruciating pain of a sickle cell crisis. In school, I have been laughed at for carrying my medication in makeup purses. I have been laughed at for swelling in my arms and legs caused by the deadly blood conditions. Jokes have been made about my constant visits to the hospitals. I remember missing important tests and exams because I was hospitalized.
As an adult living with the condition, I have learnt to manage the condition better. This does not mean that the challenge does not exist anymore:
I have developed Osteomyelitis.I developed a muscular necrosis of my hip.I have had two major hip surgeries and I am due for a third one later this year. Each day is a struggle with physical pain (especially with my hip).
Luckily for me, I discovered a drug called hydroxyurea which reduces my episodes of crisis.
Today, I can honestly tell you that my last major crisis was in 2004 because of the prescription drug. I am currently in talks with a pharmaceutical company in India to ensure that the drug is accessible to sicklers at a reduced cost.
There are still so many misconceptions about the blood conditions. Some people still think of SS patients as weak and fragile. We are often marginalized in society which makes it difficult to find the right life partners. Ignorance about sickle cell has led to most patients finding easily accessible psychological support.
In the words of Maya angelou,”Do not complain, never whine make every effort to change the things you do not like and do not die without having done something wonderful for humanity.”
I have lived with this condition. I have seen a lot of pain but I have conquered it.
Please join me Omolola Ogunrinade and all the sickle cell warriors in our quest to live better and longer lives.
Her story proves that Sickle-cell is a blood condition that can be managed and eventually defeated by a brave soul.
Please feel free to share your experiences with Sickle-cell with us and how you have managed it so far.
