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by Wunmi Bakare for Health Union The Immediate Changes For the first 12 months, I'll be completely honest and say that I still experienced chronic pain , particularly in my joints, often triggered by drastic changes in temperatures/stress, which Seattle is known for. After speaking with other transplant survivors and eagerly wanting to get off opioids, I did a 3-day water fast so I could find out what food items exacerbate my pain since my blood is not actively sickling. I di

by Wunmi Bakare for Essence Magazine September is   Sickle Cell Awareness Month — 30 days of raising awareness for a global health condition that affects millions of people. This annual observance is an opportunity to increase public knowledge and understanding of sickle cell disease worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 6.4 million people live with sickle cell disease  globally, with the sickle cell gene primarily affecting people of African descent. 

by Wunmi Bakare for Health Union The other day I was speaking to a dear friend and we found ourselves digging up the "Ex files," thinking of love lost and love won. As we reflected on the mistakes we made, I remembered the first true heartbreak I ever experienced in my early 20s. One that involved an abrupt ending, without any form of closure, all because I withheld my sickle cell diagnosis . Choosing to tell this story is quite hard because my heart and self-worth never trul

by Wunmi Bakare for Health Union Feeling alone As I continue to foster relationships with fellow advocates, one thing rings true for all of us – we grew up not knowing any other person living with sickle cell disease (SCD). This is a common theme for patients in the US and outside its borders. I believe it's due to the fact that sickle cell is still a highly-stigmatized disease even in the 21st century. Oftentimes, the social isolation that patients face, as they transition