Ambassadors Archive - Page 3 of 5

Nneka

Why I advocate: My name is Nneka Okeke and I am a Sickle Cell Warrior. I used to be ashamed to tell people that I have SCD but now I want to use my voice to help spread awareness, educate individuals, and improve healthcare outcomes. Sickle Cell is a part of me but it does not define who I am and I will continue to live my life each and every single day!

Elodie

I advocate for SCD because this disease continues to be stigmatized, underfunded and misrepresented. Due to the lack of awareness and focus, as patients we experience too much pain literally and figuratively because our health systems continue to fail us.

Cynthia-Mae

I advocate for sickle cell disease in the state of Utah because most patients with SCD are treated unethically due to the stigma associated with the need for narcotics to treat chronic pain related to the disease. I advocate for sickle cell disease because I give voice to those who don’t know their rights as patients and family members of patients living with SCD.

Olivia

Why I advocate: My name is Olivia Meremikwu and I am a Sickle Cell Disease survivor. I am 25 years of age born and raised in Newark, NJ. I am a warrior, a Nigerian native at heart. I currently reside in Atlanta, GA where I advocate for those dealing with Sickle Cell. Impacting, providing solutions, and giving the same love that was given to me is my goal. Together we can go far ♥️

James

I advocate so that people with sickle cell know that they are not alone in this battle and to raise awareness and bring attention to this invisible illness. I want to help make a change in the world, where people who live with sickle cell can get the best treatment and care in hospitals across the globe until that day comes when we have a universal cure!

Regina

I am a 49 yr old Sickle Cell Patient. I have spent the majority of my life battling this debilitating disease physically, mentally and spiritually. I have chosen to be an advocate because of the disparities sickle cell patients face in so many forms daily.

Stephanie

I choose to be an advocate today because of my own personal journey with sickle cell disease. I remember all the trials and tribulations I and my family went through. Because of that journey, I want to stand shoulder to shoulder with other advocates and other Warriors to be part of the change we want to see and to remind people they are not alone in this journey, we are Warriors.

Kristen

I advocate for sickle cell disease because I want to improve the quality of life for people like me. Providing patients and their families with the tools and support needed to navigate this chronic illness is an important part of that process. I plan to use my platform to educate people about sickle cell while conducting research aimed at exploring the science behind the disease.

Gladys

I advocate to break down silos of those living with sickle cell through community engagement [by] working with hospital systems, community leaders, local government stakeholders, and school systems to improve the individual lives we interact with. This work includes spreading awareness, eliminating misconceptions, creating IEP educational resources and improving quality health care, and amplifying matters that mean the most to our Upstate NY community by creating a positive change and removing barriers. “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” - Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Rebecca

Why I Advocate: My name is Rebecca Seavers and for over 30 years I have been an avid advocate of Sickle Cell. In 2017 I became the President of the Sickle Cell Association of Kentuckiana, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping families and children. As a mother of three children born with sickle cell and two granddaughters, being an Ambassador of Sick Cells provides a viable platform for me to continue to raise awareness and find resources for families in need.

Queena

My advocacy started when my daughter was born with [SCD] type SS. I had to not only be her voice but to be knowledgeable of what was going on within the sickle cell community. From then on I have taken an active role in bringing awareness and support to combat this disease.

Chauntey

I advocate because more voices are needed for individuals battling the horrible, overlooked sickle cell disease. More awareness and education must be provided to the public at upper and lower levels, and I am here to make sure those things are put in place to ensure the sickle warriors get the proper treatments needed to help combat sickle cell disease.