Theme for World Sickle Cell Day 2022
Having observed and acknowledged the value of community efforts and the power that we have in numbers, this years theme announcement for World Sickle Cell Day is an opportunity for everyone to contribute on a global level.
New Sickle Cell Treatment Gets Thumbs Up in the UK
Living with sickle cell is like riding a rollercoaster of pain, and we're always looking for something to make the ride smoother. CASGEVY aka Exa-cel, this new sickle cell treatment, just might be that something!
The Progression of Sickle Cell Gala 2023
My Friend Jen Celebrates the Success of the first Progression of Sickle Cell Gala in Birmingham In honour of World Sickle Cell Day 2023, My Friend Jen’s extraordinary gala event captivated guests from across the United Kingdom. On Saturday 10th June, The Progression of Sickle Cell Gala took place, in celebration of the indomitable spirit of individuals living with sickle cell
Sickle Cell SS Through The Eyes Of A 16 Year Old
Hope from Ontario, Canada shares her experience growing up with Sickle Cell SS Hi everyone, my name is Hope Olaniyan, and I'm 16 years old. I was born with sickle cell SS, a rare blood disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Growing up with sickle cell hasn't been easy, but it has taught me many valuable lessons about life and
How Schools Can Celebrate World Sickle Cell Day
With this years theme, schools can celebrate world sickle cell day and join in the fun this June.
6 Women Using Their Platforms To Raise Awareness
Yes, International Women’s Day was on Monday 8th March however, we have been celebrating amazing women in the sickle cell community all week long. For those of you that read our blogs but are not on Instagram, we thought it would be a great idea to share with you all the women we have been celebrating this week. Here are
Magazine Campaign For Sickle Cell
#MERCHWITHSCREAM The Magazine Campaign For Sickle Cell; Giving Sickle Cell A Makeover.
Supporting Sickle Cell In Jamaica
Author of My Friend Jen, Jenica Leah has been making the most of her time by supporting sickle cell whilst she is in Jamaica. Through the My Friend Jen Book Donation Project she has raised enough money to donate 200 books to the Sickle Cell Unit and also make a financial donation to Sickle Cell Support Jamaica. On Friday 5th
Sickle Cell And The Covid-19 Vaccine
How the sickle cell community feel about taking the Covid 19 vaccine.
Gaming For Sickle Cell
Meet The Founder of Melanin Gamers Raising Money For Sickle Cell Through Gaming
Supporting Sickle Cell In Birmingham
The team at OSCAR Birmingham put in an amazing effort to prepare, pack and distribute treats and care packages across Birmingham bringing joy and smiles to children, families and adults during the festive period.
In And Out Of Hospital During The Covid Pandemic
27 Year Old Mum Of Two Shares Her Story Of What It Was Like As A Sickle Cell Patient In Hospital During The Covid-19 Pandemic.
Working from home with Sickle Cell
When Shielding Began In March 2020, Lawyer Whitney Joseph Shared Tips With Us On Working From Home With Sickle Cell
Surviving COVID-19: The Story Of A Sickle Cell Goddess
The story of Nora Molongwe. A sickle cell patient and UK based Cameroonian Surviving COVID-19.
Black Ballad
For Those With Sickle Cell Disease, Lockdown Continues
Black Business Series with My Friend Jen
Award winning author and publisher Jenica Leah joins conversation specialists 'Let's Tlk' in a podcast episode for their black business series.
SWBH NHS Trust
COVID-19: Useful Links & Advice From SCAT Centre Birmingham We know this is an extremely worrying time for you and you will have a lot of questions. Here are some key points on COVID-19 along with useful links & advice: 1. If you develop a temperature or a new persistent cough: please contact your local team. Out of hours: 111 stating clearly that you
Life After Shielding With Sickle Cell
I'm looking forward to life after shielding with sickle cell, despite some of the anxieties I have about what the new normal will be like.
An 11 Year Olds Insight Into Sickle Cell Anaemia
11 year old Zalaiyah shares an honest insight into what it's like living with sickle cell anaemia.
Flawd. A Film About Sickle Cell
I first came across the trailer for this film about sickle cell on IG back in February 2020 and I was just so gutted that I wouldn't be able to see it because, of course, it was screening in LA and I was in my bed in cold England.
Awareness Movement For Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle Cell Reach Equal Awareness Movement - The worlds first marketing agency for SCD.
A Sickle Cell Documentary
Marketing Assistant Web & Social Media / BA Broadcast Journalism Graduate
Showing Amazing Sickle Cell Warriors Who Have Shined Through The Toughest of Circumstances.
Shielding With Sickle Cell
I am seeing this recommended 12 week shielding time as a bonus. This is time I never expected to have. I know they say time waits for no man but in this case, everything is pretty much on pause and I am making the most of it.
Tay’s Reading Club
Tayshelice is 6 years old and has sickle cell anaemia. This means she is more at risk if she contracts COVID-19 so she is self isolating / shielding to stay safe.
A Sickle Cell Blog For The Community
Welcome to the sickle cell blog for the community. I'd like to start by saying THANK YOU! With most of us currently isolating / shielding due to the coronavirus outbreak, this may be a great way for us to observe our thoughts and feelings during this time.
Sickle Cell and Coronavirus
We don't need to panic but we do need to be careful; prevention is better than cure!
Stress and Sickle Cell
My days of stressing over anything are no more. Why? Because life is way too short. Stress can be a trigger for bringing on a sickle cell crisis so before you let it get to that stage, ask yourself, Is it worth it?"
New Clinical Trial For Sickle Cell Patients In The US
New clinical trial for sickle cell patients now available in the US. Find out more about the clinical trial and check your eligibility.
Launch To Celebrate World Book Day 2020
The whole community comes together for World Book Day to celebrate the launch of the eagerly anticipated My Friend Jen sequel. The Voice - Online covers the launch of My Friend Jen – The Check Up at our celebration that took place on Thursday 5th March 2020 for World Book Day. Click here to read full article. Thank you to The Hagley at
Life With Sickle Cell: #SHECAN365 Project
Children's author Jenica Leah shares her story of life with sickle cell. Day 320 of the #SheCan365 Project promotes triumph as Jenica Leah shares more about her life with sickle cell and the complications she has experienced as a result of this invisible condition. "At just six weeks old, I was diagnosed with a genetic condition called Sickle Cell Anemia."Jenica Leah shares
Sickle Cell Awareness Month 2019 with Madeline Wilson-Ojo
SICKLE CELL AWARENESS | JENICA'S STORY & 'MY FRIEND JEN' This year for sickle cell awareness month, author Jenica Leah is in conversation with Madeline Wilson-Ojo discussing her journey and the My Friend Jen children's book series about sickle cell. Sharing awareness of sickle cell with answers to some original questions like "What has been the best part about producing and promoting
A Different Type of Flight
Missing my besties 30th birthday trip to Dubai last year due to sickle cell complications left me feeling absolutely gutted. I knew there was no way I could top a memorable trip to Dubai but when I found out that a Dubai experience would be coming back to London, I figured that's as close as I was going to get.
South of Spain to Ease the Pain
When you've been spoilt with a sunny bank holiday in England, you suddenly feel like every bank holiday should be the same. I definitely did, especially because the warm weather means I'm guaranteed a few less painful days with sickle cell.
Squad Goals
Kicking off my first blog post of the year a whole quarter of the way through it, but with good reason; I needed the break more than I knew at the time.
Wear What You Wanna
...I'm beginning to realise why many people in the fashion world love this time of the year so much; it gives them an excuse to wear whatever they want.
In My Tracksuit
"?????????? ????'? ????? ?? ?????? ??? ?????, ??? ????? ??? ???? ???? ????."
Self Love Is More Than Words – Bye For Now
I've been self loving from a young age (had no idea that's what it was called) as this was how I managed to overcome a lot of my insecurities surrounding my sickle cell. Growing with this mentality has given me so much confidence that I can sometimes come across as a little bit conceited... I even once described myself as 'amazing' in an interview. Lol! Of course, I'm not once you get to know me — conceited that is— I am amazing though. Anyway back to the point,
A Complex With Awesomeness
My slimness, my iddy biddies, my height, my hair and also my health. All things that at some point in my life I've had a complex about... How did I have a complex with all of my awesomeness?!
It’s ok not to be ok
Some of you may have noticed I've been gone for longer than a minute. No posts, no Spotlight Sundays, NOTHING!
i News – 19 JUN 2018
World Sickle Cell Day: Here’s what people with sickle cell want you to know
End the relationship if you can’t handle sickle cell!
Subscribe to my Youtube Channel for more ‘Me, Myself and Sickle Cell’ video blogs. As usual the twitter timeline gave me an interesting topic to share. Having been in a relationship which eventually ended due to the pressures of my sickle cell I believe that it is important for people to consider the health of your partner before getting into a relationship with
Spotlight On Jenica Leah
Spotlight on Kehinde Salami
Name: Kehinde Salami
Age: 36
Likes: Jollof Rice
Dislikes: Marmite
Secret Confession: Used to have a crush on the fun house twins, Melanie and Martina
Socials: @sicklekan Twitter, Facebook, Instagram
Website: www.sicklekan.com
Spotlight on Sadeh Sophia
Name: Sadeh Sophia
Age: 26
Likes: Crisps, Beyonce, Mary J Blige, The colour orange.
Dislikes: Spiders, People breathing too close, Saying I Love You.
Secret Confession: Wanted to be Scary Spice from the Spice Girls.
Twitter @SadehSophia
Sickle Cell and the NFL
I often think to myself, ‘why aren’t people doing more?’ There are so many individuals who have platforms they could use to raise awareness, surely some of them must be using it for a cause that needs it, such as sickle cell.
The Voice Online – 02 DEC 2017
First-Time Author Jenica Leah Wins Inspirational Award
TEDxBrum – 2017
Not all disabilities are visible | The Horizontals | TEDxBRUM https://youtu.be/YhXcP65h0sI?t=105
BuzzFeedNews – 26 OCT 2017
These People Living With An Invisible Condition Are Doing Their Best To Raise Awareness About it https://youtu.be/N-T-qO016rM
Y O L O
In the past 9 months I’ve done a whole lot of travelling; 6 different countries to be exact. That’s probably no big deal for any other individual, but it may sound slightly extreme for someone who is living with sickle cell. It has taken me years to be able to travel this much without risk and without fear; but believe me I have taken many L’s in the process.
A Message From The Author
1 YEAR OF MY FRIEND JEN "WOW!! It's been a whole year since the first self published My Friend Jen book was released; and what a year it has been. As crazy as this may sound, i only thought as far ahead as writing this book and getting it out there for others to read so i could create more awareness
BBC NEWS – 03 AUG 2017
United Sicklers - Battling with sickle cell https://www.facebook.com/MidlandsBBC/videos/1896828150569336/
Book Donation For The Sickle Cell Aid Foundation Nigeria
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2S5hbNDjHLI Please donate ?? https://gogetfunding.com/my-friend-jen-donations/ The Sickle Cell Aid Foundation (SCAF) has grown tremendously in its 5 years of existence, from an extra curricular club in the Nigerian Law School, to one of the most influential sickle cell NGO's in Nigeria. My Friend Jen will be travelling to Nigeria to visit the Sickle Cell Aid Foundation, who's goal it is to "raise awareness about
AL JAZEERA – 15 MAR 2017
THE STREAM - Living with sickle cell anaemia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkMdUc0NNnw
A Future Cure For Sickle Cell?
Recently, an article has gone viral among the sickle cell community regarding a new pioneering treatment which has reversed a teenagers sickle cell disease by changing his DNA. I cannot even count how many posts I have been tagged in and messages I have been sent of this article. If you haven't seen it, I don't know where you have been!
TheYoungEmpire – 21 Feb 2017
BLACK EXCELLENCE First-time writer pens book to empower children with sickle cell after growing up embarrassed about her condition
Gambia Book Donation Project
As part of the Gambia Book Donation Program, we organised an event for students, teachers, Ministers and others to come and learn more about sickle cell in the hope of spreading awareness of one of the most common genetic disorders in the world. The turnout was more than we could have expected and the event was well received by everyone
Note To Self
Happy New Year and all things 2017! I didn’t plan for this to be my first post of the year, but I also didn’t plan for sickle cell to interfere with the plans I had and throw me completely off my game.
Book Donation for The Sickle Cell Association, Banjul Chapter.
Please donate ?? https://gogetfunding.com/my-friend-jen-donations/ In The Gambia, Sickle Cell Anaemia is very prevalent, however, most people do not know their status because of the lack of knowledge about the disease. My Friend Jen will be travelling to Gambia in just under 4 weeks time to visit The Sickle Cell Association, Banjul Chapter. One of their aims and objectives as the only Sickle Cell
MAD NEWS UK – 19 Sep 2016
UK News: Author Jenica Leah Creates Series Of Children’s Books Promoting Sickle Cell Awareness
My Friend Jen
Writing a book related to sickle cell is something that I have thought about doing for a very long time. I have always wanted to do something to create more awareness of the condition and to help others living with it, but I used to think ‘how can I help anyone else if I'm not able to help myself?’
xickle.com – 28 Jul 2016
Not Sure How to Teach Your Kids About Sickle Cell? Give This New Book a Try. "Children learn a lot about the world they live in through stories. Think back to your own favorite childhood bedtime reads and the lessons they taught
A Day In The Life – Blood Exchange
A Day In The Life Of A Sickler: We spent the day at University College London Hospital with a 24 year old sickle cell anaemia patient having a blood exchange. A blood exchange / exchange transfusion involves slowly removing the person's blood and replacing it with fresh donor blood. This particular patient has to travel from Birmingham to London every 4 weeks to have
World Sickle Cell Awareness Day 2016
Since today Sunday 19th June 2016 is World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, I thought I would share a few words.
Taking Control
Hi readers, my name is Jenica Leah. Some of you may or may not know that I was born with Sickle Cell Anaemia. I never saw myself being able to share something so intimate out of fear of other people's opinions. I have come to realise that my opinion of myself is what matters more, so I am ready to face my fears. I hope that in doing so I may be able to help someone else who may be going through something similar.