How a lady lost her job because someone told her boss she is sickle cell

Mrs. Opeyemi Afolabi, a patient living with sickle cell disorder (SCD), shared a deeply personal account of how her condition affected her professional life, leading to her losing a job after someone disclosed her health status to her employer.

She recounted this experience during an event held on Saturday in Lagos, which brought together many individuals affected by the disorder.

The occasion was the Grand Finale of “Project Empower A Warrior 3.0,” an initiative organized by the Crimson Bow Sickle Cell Initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting those with SCD.

The event gathered over 300 individuals, creating a platform for sharing stories, advice, and encouragement among patients.

The theme for this year’s empowerment program was “Health and Wealth: Balancing Entrepreneurship in Sickle Cell,” emphasizing the need for individuals with SCD to believe in themselves and pursue their ambitions without fear of judgment or stigma. Afolabi encouraged attendees to focus on their health while striving for personal and professional growth.

She emphasized the importance of understanding one’s own body, knowing one’s strengths and limitations, and being cautious not to take on more than they can handle.

Another speaker, Mr. Oluwagbohunmi Dada, who also lives with sickle cell anemia, expressed his frustrations regarding the lack of attention and resources for patients in Nigeria.

He shared his own journey, noting that sickle cell is not a death sentence and that it should not hinder anyone from living a fulfilling life.

Dada highlighted his successful career, marriage, and business ventures, reinforcing that individuals with sickle cell can achieve their dreams without being confined to limitations.

He called for increased awareness and funding for sickle cell research and treatment in Nigeria, similar to initiatives seen in other countries.

Dada encouraged those living with the disorder to embrace entrepreneurship, emphasizing that everyone faces challenges but that hard work and determination can lead to success. He urged patients to focus on their business endeavors and not to let their condition define their capabilities.

Miss Timi Edwin, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Crimson Bow, echoed these sentiments, urging attendees to prioritize their health while also pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities. She noted the support from the Lagos State Government in their efforts to improve the lives of sickle cell patients and called for greater initiatives to help them lead normal lives.

The Chairperson of the Crimson Bow Sickle Cell Initiative, Mrs. Folashade Shinkaye, emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship for patients, while Guest Lecturer Mr. Gabriel Omin, a Business Consultant, advised attendees to engage in profitable ventures without compromising their health. He warned against the dangers of excessive stress, which could trigger health crises, urging participants to be aware of their limits in both business and life.

The event culminated in empowering at least 250 individuals living with sickle cell disorder by equipping them with various entrepreneurial skills and providing startup grants for those who excelled.

This initiative aims to foster resilience and independence among patients, encouraging them to thrive despite the challenges they face.

“You must prioritise your health.

“Don’t bite more than you can chew. You need to understand your body, strength and weakness, while engaging in entrepreneurship.”

Also sharing experiences, Mr Oluwagbohunmi Dada, an entrepreneur who is living with sickle cell anaemia, said the disorder had not received required attention in the country.

“I’m here because I actually do have sickle cell. I am a warrior. I am here today to encourage other people that, it (sickle cell anaemia) is not a death sentence.

“It is not something to be afraid of or to say that you are going to stop living. I have had a very decent career and I am married with kids.

“I run a business as well. So, sickle cell does not necessarily mean that you are to be confined or limited into a particular space.”

According to him, much more is needed to be done in the country to ease the crises or the issues that confront patients regularly.

“In different places in the world, there is government funded research; there is private medical research to be able to develop, solutions, drugs to be able to help.”

“Please, do something and put your energy into entrepreneurship. Nothing is easy upon the earth. Focus on your business.

“This will help you to solve many problems. Don’t have any shame, believe in yourself and never allow anyone to write you off.”