Warrior Stories

Every Warrior Has a Story

Teonna, Sickle Cell Warrior
TEONNA

I stay hopeful for the future by staying active in the Warrior community.

https://www.instagram.com/sicklequeent/ @sicklequeent

Q: What does it mean to you to be a Sickle Cell Warrior?

A: For me, being a Sickle Cell Warrior means having the chance to conquer the many challenges we face with this disease.

Q: Why do you RISE UP?

A: I'm always looking for ways to help things get better for the Warriors that come after me. The new therapies and clinical trials that have potential to make things better keep me most excited.

Tristian, Sickle Cell Warrior
TRISTIAN

As Warriors, we fight for ourselves and for each other.

Q: What does it mean to you to be a Sickle Cell Warrior?

A: I'm proud that I get to give a voice to the younger generation with sickle cell. I've proven a lot of people wrong when it comes to what I can do.

Q: Why do you RISE UP?

A: Warriors are stronger together. If we focus on the progress being made, we won't let sickle cell define us.

Dominique, Sickle Cell Warrior
DOMINIQUE

As a Warrior, I stay hopeful and refuse to live in fear.

https://www.twitter.com/sickle1000/ @sickle1000

Q: What does it mean to you to be a Sickle Cell Warrior?

A: To be a Warrior is about perseverance. I try to make the most of every day, despite how my sickle cell makes me feel. And that's made me stronger.

Q: Why do you RISE UP?

A: It's important to join clinical trials like RISE UP because it's about putting the people with sickle cell first and understanding our perspective. As more of the Warrior community gets involved, more opportunities may become available.

Golie, Sickle Cell Warrior
GOLIE

To be a Sickle Cell Warrior means you're a fighter.

https://www.instagram.com/golielorenzo/ @golielorenzo

Q: What does it mean to you to be a Sickle Cell Warrior?

A: I look at my fellow Warriors and get inspired. We're all focused on striving for opportunities to help move us forward. If there's any chance for life with sickle cell to be different tomorrow than what I've experienced today, then that will always give me hope.

Q: Why do you RISE UP?

A: It's important that we participate in clinical trials like RISE UP, not just for us individually, but for the greater Warrior community. We get to make sure that the next generation of Sickle Cell Warriors has better health opportunities.

Mia, Sickle Cell Warrior
MIA

Warriors approach sickle cell disease with empowerment.

Q: What does it mean to you to be a Sickle Cell Warrior?

A: Being a Warrior is about working to overcome challenges. You try not to let sickle cell stop you, even on the harder days.

Q: Why do you RISE UP?

A: I want to help Warriors find opportunities for relief. Clinical trials like RISE UP have potential to change how we experience sickle cell. It's all about allowing us to work and provide for our families, spend quality time with our loved ones, and enjoy our lives overall.

Blaze, Sickle Cell Warrior
BLAZE

Make noise. Go hard. Be loud. Advocate. We won't be left behind.

https://www.instagram.com/highplaceblaze/ @highplaceblaze
DeMetrious, Sickle Cell Warrior
DeMITRIOUS

Joining RISE UP as a Sickle Cell Warrior has shown me strengths I never knew I had.

Q: What does it mean to you to be a Sickle Cell Warrior?

A: As Sickle Cell Warriors, we are truly special. We're strong because we have to be. It gives me hope for the future knowing I'm doing my part in helping myself, and others, living with sickle cell.

Q: Why do you RISE UP?

A: It's important to be courageous, to speak up for sickle cell disease, and be proactive.