Meet Samira Sanusi, The Woman Who Was Cured Of Sickle Cell Disease As She Opens Up On Her Journey So Far

Two years ago, Samira Sanusi’s post of how she got cured of the sickle cell disease went viral, as people congratulated her and also wished her well (read here).

All thanks to her brother, Mustapha Sanusi, who donated his bone marrow to save her life more than 14 years ago. Samira, who was born with the disease is now AA. On the 28th of October, 2019, Samira will be celebrating 15 years of being totally cured of sickle cell.

Since the bone marrow which was transplanted into her in Vienna, Austria in 2004, Samira has devoted her life to fighting sickle cell by creating awareness.

She is also using her experience to support other less fortunate young people with the condition emotionally and financially through her foundation, The Samira Sanusi Sickle Cell Foundation.

In a brief chat with Sola Abe, Samira speaks about the journey so far.

Enjoy the chat below…

How do you feel about being cured of sickle cell?

It feels amazing, to no longer be held hostage by a brutal disease that once dictated and defined my life.

Sickle cell patients have many rules they need to abide with so as not to trigger their crisis, what was the first rule you broke after getting cured?

Stuffing my face with everything sugar and junk food, and dancing in the rain.

READ ALSO: Hope for Sickle Cell Couples as New Medical Treatment Emerges

Tell us about growing up as a sickle cell patient

It was hard. My crisis were frequent and I was hospitalized almost every time. It was also confusing, trying to navigate through life and understanding why I’m different from most kids. My whole life revolves around living with the disease, recovering from the constant crisis and in between, attempting to live.

How was the journey to getting cured?

It was long and complicated, but totally worth it. I was lucky to be able to have a bone Marrow transplant, to be able to find a donor who was my match, and most importantly, to have a successful procedure despite the risks and complications.

What are your favorite things to do as an AA person?

Using my new found strength, good health, energy and opportunities to advocate for Sickle Cell Awareness, pre marital counseling, social support and access to health care for Sickle Cell Warriors.

What life lessons has your cure from sickle cell taught you?

Everything truly happens for a reason. I am grateful for the trials that birthed my purpose and calling to serve and inspire.

READ ALSO: Nigeria’s Oldest Sickle Cell Survivor, Alhaja Asiata Adupe Onikoyi Laguda, Turns 91

Tell us about your foundation, Samira Sanusi Sickle Cell Foundation and what inspired its creation

Samirah Sanusi Sickle Cell Foundation helps Warriors with access to health care, drugs and funds for treatments and life changing treatments and procedures.

We also work on intensifying awareness on Sickle Cell Anaemia, how to prevent it and how to manage your health or that of your loved one. The inspiration to establish the NGO came from my sister and I’s Sickle Cell journey, getting cured and taking the responsibility to give back, especially to those who are still fighting.

What did you learn working with sickle cell patients in Nigeria?

It’s a lot harder for Sickle Cell Warriors to manage their health in Nigeria. Many can not afford the many medications they’re supposed to take daily, or the constant blood transfusions and hospitalization bills.

Many children do not make it to their 5th birthday, those who do are at risk of stroke and other Sickle Cell complications that can target and damage any organ or part of the body.

There’s need for the government, organizations and individuals to work together in ensuring unborn children are spared from this avoidable pain, and those living with the disease should be able to access all the management and treatment options they need to live a healthy life.

READ ALSO: Defying All Odds to Become a Mom: Woman Living with Sickle Cell Tells Powerful Story

Sickle cell disease can be a very difficult one, what advice do you have for sufferers?

Live out loud, despite all the odds.