My Journey – From Survival to Advocacy

Living with chronic anemia, every crisis I faced was never just physical—it was a fight to live and a test of my faith. There were moments where my body was weak, but my spirit had to decide: Will I rise, or will I surrender? Again and again, I chose to rise. One of the decisions I am most proud of is remaining a bloodless medicine warrior for nearly four decades. In a world where transfusions are often the standard response, I chose a different path—one rooted in research, faith, and intentional care. That decision was not always easy, and at times, it was misunderstood. But over the years, I have witnessed the benefits in my overall quality of life, and it has shaped how I advocate for my health. This journey taught me something early: I could not be passive in my care. I had to: Ask questions Do my own research Build relationships with medical professionals Advocate for treatments that aligned with my values I learned how to stand firm, even in vulnerable moments, and insist on quality, thoughtful care. For many years, I didn’t talk about my sickle cell journey. It was something that happened to me—something that forced me into reaction mode, where every crisis demanded immediate survival. But something shifted. When I found my voice, everything changed. What once felt like a condition controlling me became something I could confront, understand, and manage. Speaking up allowed me to take back power—to reduce the fear, to lessen the overwhelm, and to approach my health with intention instead of urgency. Now, I live proactively, not reactively. I honor this gift of life by taking every reasonable measure to protect it. I advocate not only for myself, but for others who may feel unheard, unprepared, or alone in their journey. Because no warrior should have to navigate this path in silence.