Living with sickle cell anemia often means fighting invincible battles, includes living with pain that comes without warning, stigma that lingers, and the constant task of proving that one’s life is not defined by a diagnosis.
Tell Eve Your Stories had an interview with Aisha Adamu Magaji, a sickle cell warrior, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate, whose journey defies common myths about SCD.
From her childhood diagnosis to her work in building communities of hope for other warriors, Aisha shares a story that is equal parts painful, powerful, and deeply inspiring.
Eve: Hello Aisha. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Aisha: My name is Aisha Adamu Magaji, and I am a sickle cell warrior. My family and friends surround me with love, and this journey with sickle cell has given me moments that cut deep with pain and others that shine with unexpected beauty.
Eve: Do you remember how you first discovered you had sickle cell?
Aisha: Yes. Very clearly. I was seven years old. In Primary 2. It was just a normal school day, and I was outside playing games with my classmates when I suddenly felt a sharp, excruciating pain shoot down my back.
The pain was so bad that I couldn’t hold it in. At the school’s sick bay, I got some first aid. My parents were called, and I went home with them.
That evening, around 5 p.m., the pain came back even worse. My parents rushed me to the hospital, where I had several tests done. The results came in, and the doctors said it was sickle cell anemia.
My family was shocked. I had always been the energetic daughter. I loved sports, gymnastics, drank cold water, and never showed any signs of SCD from birth until then.
Eve: How did your family handle that news?
Aisha: It was difficult for them to believe at first. After that first crisis at seven, I didn’t have another until I was ten. Because of that, my family kept doubting the diagnosis, thinking it was a mistake.
Even with their doubts, they treated me with so much care, like I was fragile, like an egg. They made sure my life was as comfortable as possible. Alhamdulillah, I will always be grateful to them and to my Lord for surrounding me with so much love.
Eve: Sounds really wonderful. What has been your worst crisis so far?
Aisha: It happened in 2020. Since I was usually asymptomatic, I managed my mild crises at home with pain relievers and kept up with routine checkups. But that year, the pain was unbearable. It felt like I was being electrocuted or burnt alive. I honestly thought I was dying.
That was the first time a crisis hit so hard it pushed me into a hospital bed. Many women living with sickle cell say they would rather go through labor pain than a sickle cell crisis and I agree. It’s truly life-threatening.
Eve: Have you ever faced stigma because of your condition?
Aisha: Not much, thankfully. My family and friends have been my biggest blessing. They understand that a crisis can come at any time and disrupt plans, family gatherings, outings, or even special events. They’ve always been patient and supportive.
At work, my colleagues and manager are also very understanding. They make sure my duties don’t threaten my health, and they always excuse my absences when I fall sick.
I’ve been very lucky. It’s not like that with a lot of other warriors. Some people go through so much stigma, they are denied jobs, opportunities, and the likes, simply because of their genetic constituency.
The only painful memory I have is from JSS2. A teacher gave me a very rigorous punishment, even though the school had exempted me from such tasks. I collapsed and lost consciousness right there. That was a really hard moment for me.
Eve: Have you ever held back by sickle cell?
Aisha: Honestly, no. I never let it limit me. I graduated from university at the age of 20. Today, I successfully run my own food and catering business while also working a 9–5 job. People often believe myths about warriors. That we are lazy or don’t have the strength to work. But my life proves otherwise.
Eve: You’re also very active in advocacy. How’s that going?
Aisha: One of my proudest achievements is building a network for warriors like me and becoming a symbol of hope for younger ones. Through social media, on TikTok, Twitter, and also during school tours and community outreaches, I’ve met hundreds of sickle cell warriors.
Many of them live in silence because they’re afraid of stigmatization. That’s why I decided to be active in advocacy.
I work with Maidunama Sickle Cell Foundation and the Gombe Sickle Cell Association. We run community outreaches, school tours, campaigns, and awareness programs, and educate warriors, caregivers, the general public, and even medical personnel on the realities of sickle cell such as prevention, management, and the way forward.
Eve: What message would you like to share with other warriors or people reading your story?
Aisha: I want to tell them that living with sickle cell is not the end of life. Yes, it brings challenges, but it also builds strength, resilience, and purpose. With faith, the right support, and the right mindset, we can achieve our dreams. I am proud to be a warrior, and I’m committed to bringing hope to others like me.
I, along with the NGOs I work with, am open to sponsorships and partnerships to further our advocacy work. Connect with me on social media for collaborations, support, or to stand strong with our growing community of sickle cell warriors.
Keep up with Aisha’s journey on Instagram, TikTok, and X, formerly known as Twitter.
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