As part of us Beyond diagnosis Series, we sat with Faith N. Adjei-Sarpong, MPH-a Dreycocytic warrior, lawyer and future doctor. Its history reflects both the durability and the systematic challenges facing those living with this disease.
Faith remembers moments when her pain crises were so serious that she could breathe or speak, but she was described as “drug search” instead of believing. “This kind of treatment hurts just as much as pain in my body. Chips away from your dignity. It makes you question if you will really be really to see,” he shared.
R&D with faith N. Adjei-Sarpong, mph
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
“My name is faith N. Adjei-Sarpong, and I was born and raised in Houston, Texas, but my roots are ghana and this part of my identity means a lot to me. The durability and trust even in the face of pain.
What are your first memories of life -cell life?
“My childhood was shaped by a sickle cell, my parents tell me that when I was a baby, the doctors gave them the news and brought the burden of this reality, even before I understood it. Restrictions, my parents make sure I also had joy.
What was one of your biggest challenges?
“One of the most difficult challenges was not only natural pain, but the way in which the healthcare system treats people with sickle cell cells. There were times when I went to the hospital in crisis, little capable of breathing or talking and helping me.
What do you want people to understand about Sickle Cell?
“I wish people understood that scythe is not just about ‘crises’. Episodes of pain are brutal, but our disease affects us every day in ways that people do not see. decades.
What changes do you want to see?
“I want to see a real systematic change. This means increased funding for research, expanding access to integrated care centers and ensuring that health care providers are trained only to take us with dignity and compassion. In a graph or in a study.
How do you want your story to inspire others?
“I want the younger warriors to know that they do not need to limit themselves. I was told that I will not go to college and now I have the master of my public health and continue my medical school. My love and defense make a tangible difference – I am here because of my sacrifices.
Resources to support
CDC: Drepanocytic disease
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbdd/sicklecell/index.html
American Hematology Company Sickle Cell Resources
US Drepancy Cell Disease Association
