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Monica

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Monica

The reason why I feel I should advocate for voices of sickle cell and myself. Growing up I was diagnosed with sickle cell. It was challenging for me because back in the day, the doctors didn't have a lot of knowledge what sickle cell was. From the support of my big family that was there for me. My mother eventually taught me how to be strong no matter what the situation is. I will stand up for my rights and people. Let's work together and stand. I have a voice that I'm not afraid to speak up. Change will come.
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Camesha

As mother of three children , with two of them diagnosed with sickle cell, I want to be a part of the change for the future of the Sickle Cell community. I do not want them to fear the healthcare system or unfair treatment. I want my children and all warriors to know that once they enter any medical facility, they will get the best care possible. I know that using my platform and resources provided will assist in creating the change needed.
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Faith

My advocacy journey began at fourteen years old, after being deemed “dramatic” by a health professional who completely invalidated my feelings. Deeply rooted systemic issues of racism, sexism, and religious bias have plagued our healthcare system, especially concerning warriors who suffer from SCD and/or chronic pain. As a warrior, I advocate for SCD so other warriors can have equitable healthcare. Sickle cell is a disease of healthcare disparities, in terms of being under-researched, poorly understood by the public, and the lack of appropriate therapies. So let’s make a difference, go into the public to be part of the stakeholders who play a role in improving access to care for sickle cell warriors.
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La’Shardae

Why I advocate: I am a mother of three amazing boys, two of whom are sickle cell warriors. I advocate for an equitable future for all sickle cell warriors. In addition to being a caregiver, I am the Sickle Cell Director and Newborn Screening Coordinator for Northwest Ohio. “Sickle cell disease has had a significant impact on my personal and professional life, and as a result, I’ve been trying to make improvements in a number of different areas to enhance the quality of life for my children and patients.
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Cynthia

I am 68 years old and was first diagnosed at 62 years old with SCD after experiencing my first “major” crisis. After my diagnosis, I discovered the many stereotypes surrounding SCD. I also quickly realized as an older warrior the medical profession has pretty much written us off, not expecting us to live past 50. My goal is to bring more awareness to the unique needs of warriors over 50 as well as exploring more fully the impact of our lifestyle choices on the disease expression.
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Femi

I want to see us move forward. It is possible to live a long and healthy life free of systemic racism and other real problems that affect those living with SCD. We deserve to be healthy. We are many, and we have power. It is our responsibility to support and love one another through the change we want to see. A cure is around the corner, but only as we are active participants in demanding better. I advocate for a healthier us.
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Heather

I advocate for sickle cell because equitable care should be provided to all. I advocate to change the bias and narrative toward people living with sickle cell from the inside out. As a patient, I believe that the tools for understanding change come from within the experiences I have lived.
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Sidney

Being a caregiver and sc warrior, I want to make sickle cell famous again and bring the impactful change we want to see.
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Dr Raquel

I have always had the tenacity to do what is suitable and equitable for individuals. My mission as a passionate leader is to seek that a person gets the best possible treatment, diversity, and Equity in healthcare.
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Levell

I advocate for Sickle Cell Anemia because growing up in Idaho I was told a lot of can'ts and I want to show fellow warriors what we can do! I have experienced what it is like to have inadequate healthcare and the trauma that causes to patients and families. I want to create a more compassionate and fair healthcare system that can meet the needs of the Sickle Cell Community.
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Andressa

I advocate because I believe that my voice matters, and that I’m able to guide, change, and positively impact the lives of those who are living with Sickle Cell Disease.
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Dr Simone

I advocate because as a physician with Sickle Cell disease, I know how to advocate for myself.
But you shouldn’t have to be a doctor to get good care. I want to make sure that transformative and quality care is available to every patient living with Sickle Cell disease.