September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month.
From as far back as I can remember, sickle cell disease (SCD) has been a part of my story. Diagnosed at birth, I grew up knowing the realities of the illness but also knowing that it didn’t define me. My parents had already navigated the journey with one of my siblings, so my diagnosis was met with understanding and readiness, rather than fear.
Having an older sister with the condition gave me a sense of validation. I wasn’t alone. I had someone I could relate to, someone who understood the challenges of living with SCD on a deeper level. That foundation of family support, my mother at home, attentive to our needs, and my father as the provider, taught me that while SCD was real, it did not have to be limiting.
Today, at 45, I am a telecommunications professional, leading a team in network operations. I am also one of more than 20 million people worldwide living with SCD. For me, the condition means pain crises, fatigue, jaundice, and eye issues caused by an epiretinal membrane that reduces the sharpness of my vision. The most difficult of these is the pain, sometimes sudden, sometimes overwhelming. But I’ve learnt acceptance, moderation, and discipline. Rest, hydration, diet, and medicine, where needed, are my tools. Just as importantly, I’ve learnt to manage my stress and listen to my body, lessons that have shaped my calm, resilient approach to life.
FINDING STRENGTH IN ENDURANCE
My journey has taken me beyond managing SCD; it has become about thriving with it. I found my outlet in triathlon, a sport that embodies endurance, resilience, and personal challenge. Having already completed Ironman 70.3 North Carolina in 2023, I am preparing to compete in Ironman 70.3 Augusta, Georgia, this September as part of a relay team, where I’ll take on the 56-mile bike ride.
Ironman 70.3 (the number of miles covered) is no easy feat: a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run. For many, it seems insurmountable. For me, it’s a metaphor for life. The race is not about defeating others; it’s about competing with yourself, finding strength in adversity, and moving forward despite challenges.
Why Ironman? Simply because I can. Living with SCD comes with undeniable limitations, but it does not stop me from living fully, thriving boldly, and giving generously.
MORE THAN A CONDITION
I am not defined by sickle cell disease. But it has contributed to who I am. It has taught me patience, mental toughness, and the importance of balance. It has instilled in me a heightened awareness of my body and mind. Most importantly, it has given me a sense of purpose: to raise awareness, inspire others, and advocate for those living with SCD.
I am proud to stand alongside my sister, Morette Wright, co-founder of the Sickle Cell Support Foundation of Jamaica, and many others who champion advocacy and care. Together, we are part of a movement to ensure that those with SCD are seen not for their limitations, but for their possibilities.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
This journey isn’t mine alone; it’s a shared mission. With your support, we can:
- Provide Support: Through collaboration with the Sickle Cell Foundation of Jamaica, funds raised will help cover medical costs and care for individuals living with SCD. You can donate through my gofundme account – https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-terrans-journey-sickle-cell-triumph.
- Raise Awareness: Sharing stories and journeys like mine spreads knowledge, reduces stigma, and builds community.
- Donate Blood: Blood saves lives. Sickle Cell patients often rely on transfusions, and every pint makes a difference. You can donate at any National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) center island-wide.
Join us on Saturday, September 20, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the National Chest Hospital for our blood drive in commemoration of Sickle Cell Awareness Month.
Whether you give financially, share knowledge, or roll up your sleeve to donate blood, your contribution matters. Together, we can stand for life, love, and healing.
TURNING ADVERSITY INTO OPPORTUNITY
Ironman has become my vehicle for sharing this message: adversity is not the end of the road; it’s the starting point of resilience. Each painful crisis, each limitation I’ve had to accept has taught me something invaluable about strength and purpose.
When I line up in Augusta, Georgia, on September 28th, I won’t just be racing. I’ll be riding for everyone living with SCD. I’ll be proving that though life with sickle cell has boundaries, those boundaries do not define what is possible.
Because I can, I do.
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This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 3: 12-13
