If you’re interested in sharing your opinion on any cultural, political or personal topic, create an account here and check out our how-to post to learn more. Opinions are the writer’s own and not those of Blavity's. ____ When my son, Sawyer, was diagnosed with sickle cell disease (SCD), I was in denial. My husband and I tragically lost twins a year before I became pregnant with Sawyer and his twin, Saxton. Now, this diagnosis felt like another death sentence. I knew SCD well, as it is hereditary. I’ve lost family and friends to it. I know the pain and havoc it causes, and I did not want that for Sawyer. SCD is an inherited blood disorder and a devastating lifelong condition most prevalent among the African American community. According to the CDC, it impacts about 100,000 Americans and occurs in about 1 out of every 365 Black or African American births. Its effects are compounded by the stigma associated, particularly with children, who require constant hydration and...
