Sickle cell Anaemia
What is Sickle Cell Anaemia?
Sickle cell A n a e m i a is a n inherited blood disorder
that affects the red blood cells in which there aren't
enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen
throughout your body.
Normally, the flexible, round red blood cells
move easily through blood vessels.
In sickle cell anaemia, the red blood are shaped
like sickles or c r e s c e n t moons.
These rigid, sticky cells can get stuck in small
blood vessels, which can slow or block blood flow
and oxygen to parts of the body. This can cause
complications such as organ damage
Our Story
Mr Gideon Ekwuabu
Mr. Gideon Ekwuabu was a Sickle Cell Warrior,
beloved Uncle, Brother, Friend and Son.
Gideon was born in Nigeria, he was the youngest of
12 siblings and was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Anaemia
at a young age. For his 10th birthday his older sister Joyce,
who was living in London at the time, brought him to the
UK for a vacation. Whilst in the UK he met with a
Haemotology doctor who advised him to stay in England
so he could receive better treatment for his condition.
Despite the severity of his condition, he completed his
GCSEs at Aylward Academy and studied at University of
Hertfordshire in Hatfield. For most of his life He was
surrounded by his siblings, Nieces and nephews who loved
him very much and he lived his life to the fullest.
Gideon Ekwuabu loved to travel, Dubai, Thailand, China,
South Korea & India were some of many destinations he
visited. He was full of life, funny, hardworking, ambitious
and loved by everyone around him including his church
community. Unfortunately he lost his battle to Sickle Cell in
2011 at the young age of 38 due to complications with his
lungs from bad medication and treatment.
His passing was devastating and could have been
prevented if better care and treatment was given for people
with his condition.
Mrs Susan Treasure
Mrs. Susan Treasure was a Sickle Cell Activist and founder of Enfield Sickle Cell support group- A
support group Barbara attended when she was a teenager. Treasure dedicated her time and effort
to spreading awareness and supporting people with sickle cell, although she nor any of her relatives
had Sickle Cell Anaemia she was passionate about making a difference and helping sufferers through
educating the community with outreaches, fundraisers and local support groups
OUR TEAM
Barbaras Journey with Sickle Cell
Born and raised in London, UK of Nigerian Parents,
Barbara was diagnosed with Sickle cell Anaemia
when she was 4 years old. Many people who suffer
from this condition may believe they are limited and
cannot live a full healthy life due to the complications
that can occur including pain crisis, Organ damage.
As a child whenever Barbara was unwell or had to go
to the hospital, "Fashion was always my escape it
was my Hope".'. As she got older Barbara remembers
asking her mum to bring her sketchbook to the
hospital so she could draw and it would give her so
much Joy. It helped a lot with her recovery as she
realised that at that particularly moment in the
hospital she may have been physically restricted but
the very moment she was well nothing and no-one
can ever stop her achieving her dreams as long as
she takes care of herself and know her strengths and
abilities she could Soar. Eventually Barbara stopped
going to hospital and her mum became her nurse and
would take care of her at home, she also learnt to
listen to her body and take care of herself. Her faith
in God, Passion and Love for Fashion motivated her
to get well and stay well as she had dreams of a
bright future to look forward to. She also had a great
environment and support system from her family that
helped her on her way. This is the kind of support
system Barbara wants to create with Gideon's
Treasure, She used her passion to overcome her pain.