We are a non-profit sickle cell awareness foundation Created by Fashion Designer and Sickle Cell Warrior Barbara Biosah in loving memory of Mr Gideon Ekwuabu & Mrs Susan Treasure. Our Goal is to build awareness for Sickle Cell Anaemia through Fashion shows, events & Galas ♥️.
We also aim to educate and help sufferers find hope in the pain with art & fashion workshops.
Stay tuned for informative updates and upcoming events ♥️✨✨ #SickleCellAnaemia
Sickle cell Anaemia is an 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 crescent 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 is some patients
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 Hatfield University.
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 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
Founder, Sickle Cell Warrior & Fashion Designer
Treasurer, Support group coordinator and Secretary
Welfare Officer & Fundraising Manager
Brand Ambassador & Creative Director
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 etc…. 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 my 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.