I suffer ‘crisis’ pain at least once a month, sometimes 4 times or more, it is a painful process and it makes me feel so alone with my pain. As the oldest of 4 children I would like to be responsible for a duty of care for my siblings but my health holds me back and during my studies I fall behind a lot due to the fact that term time is largely during winter months and this period really affects my health, happiness and motivation for life itself.
I am hoping I can undergo a stem cell transplant, I would like to live a life without fear and hopefully thrive for more in my chosen career as an Architect.
Here is Toheed’s journey:
I began to feel unwell from the age of 5, at first my parents didn’t know what was going on until they found out I was suffering from sickle cell disease, I was always behind in my education as I always struggled to stay well or participate in group projects and sports.
I was moved from Nigeria to the UK by my Parents to escape the risk of a malaria infection and also to give me a better chance of survival.
I made a promise to myself to change my life around but I kept getting sick and loosing will power, I started to feel stuck in one place.
I couldn’t help but see myself as a small boy smaller than most of his classmates but very smart and trying harder than most too live a simple life, this was me I said and this gave me strength.
I pray a lot, mostly every night, especially when I am in pain, I just say “Thank you Lord for the blessing you have provided me” as I believe my life is a message to those who are healthy and still not living life to the fullest.
I am looking to turn my life around for the sake of my family, siblings and little nieces and nephews and my passion for Architecture I would like to live a long enough to do something for Nigeria and Africa in terms of Country development but I am afraid I might not have the strength, or health to achieve.
I would like to live life without fear, not wondering if I can travel, or if I don’t drink 2 litres today what will happen, I thought eventually I could get use to the pain, but it’s always new to me each pain episode is always painful and I can never be trained or prepared enough for it. After each crisis it’s like starting life all over again, whilst I have missed out on so much….
Due to Toheed’s sickle cell diagnosis, he has had to receive blood transfusions as part of his ongoing treatments.
TO JOIN THE BLOOD DONOR REGISTER CLICK HERE