World Pulse Ambassadors Stand With Sickle Cell Warriors

Everyone who knows a bit about my advocacy journey knows that June is always an extremely busy period for me. This is because celebrating World Sickle Cell Day every June 19th means joining the international community to do more in raising awareness.

September on the other hand, is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month in the United States. However, thanks to technology, it is slowly being adapted all over the world. Knowing how much work still needs to be done and knowing that every period is just as important to keep raising awareness, I couldn't let this month pass by without doing something.

The usual route I take during June was different from what I did this time. Thinking of what I could do differently, I decided to come up with twist and  a hashtag #IStandWithSickleCellWarriors through which everyone joining the campaign could do a brief quote telling us WHY they are standing with us. Along with their pictures, we could make a flyer design and share on our social media platforms. 

It was as always, thrilling and heartwarming to see many World Pulse Ambassadors join me stand with warriors. Their quotes on their WHYS were so very much encouraging. Sharing their whys was very reassuring because it was like them saying, we know what you are up and we are going to be here with you, cheering and standing with you all the way. 

From reminders on mental health and good nutrition from Marie and Busayo to encouragements that we are not alone and we must unite to speak out and ease the burden from Sickle Cell Disorder from Anjana and Loretta; to the need to stay hydrated and stop the stigma and discrimination from Basudha and Veronica Ngum and drawing attention to speaking more about sickle cell just as we do COVID because it has been around longer from Karen, the whys were all so amazing and fulfilling. Sharing ever picture flyer here so you can all read the Whys yourself.

To spice things up,Basudha had me on her platform \"Hear Me Right\" to talk more about sickle cell and it was really an honour to be on the platform. Sharing the link here and hoping you all \"hear me right\" .

I will share the link of the video at the end of this.

Towards the end of September as the World Celebrated Sign Language Day, I did a short video in signs  saying Sickle Cell Awareness is a collective effort which we can do together. I used that day to do the video to show that Advocacy needs to be an inclusive affair for all. #NoOneLeftBehind. Here is another link for the video which I will also be sharing here  at the end of this.

Without encouragement, we might easily give up despite the passion we have. That is why even encouragers do need support and encouragement too. I am thankful to my fellow Ambassadors for coming out strong to stand with warriors. It is a very visible proof that we are stronger together.