Sickle Cell Awareness Does Not End With September
As September comes to an end, so does this year’s Sickle Cell Awareness Month campaign—but the need for awareness, advocacy, compassion, and support does not end here.
Throughout this month, I have shared educational information, pieces of Tony’s journey, encouragement for Sickle Cell warriors, and recognition for the families and caregivers who stand beside them.
This campaign was deeply personal, but it was never only about my story.
Why I Shared
I wanted people to understand that Sickle Cell Disease is more than a name, more than a pain crisis, and more than what can be explained in one post or video.
I wanted warriors to feel seen.
I wanted caregivers to know that their role matters.
I wanted families who have lost someone to know that their loved one’s story still deserves to be remembered.
And I wanted Tony’s life to be honored for more than what his body endured.
Tony lived with Sickle Cell Disease from birth. He experienced pain crises, emergency-room visits, hospital stays, blood transfusions, surgeries, kidney failure, dialysis, and complications that affected nearly every part of his health.
But Tony was more than his illness.
He was compassionate, encouraging, faithful, and concerned about other people—even when he was carrying more than they realized.
His words, “I’m still breathing. I can’t complain,” became part of Wade Designs because we created them together. But his legacy is bigger than a phrase. His legacy is also the way he lived those words.
What This Month Reinforced
Sickle Cell warriors deserve to be listened to and believed.
They should not have to fight their disease while also fighting assumptions about their pain. When medication at home is no longer controlling a crisis, they deserve urgent and compassionate medical care—not suspicion.
This month also reinforced the importance of caregivers.
Standing beside Tony meant learning his medical history, understanding his chart, noticing changes, asking questions, and making sure his concerns were heard.
If a doctor entered the room while I was away, Tony would say, “Hold on. Let me call my wife.”
That was not about speaking over him. It was about standing beside him and helping protect his voice when he needed support.
Caregivers often carry responsibility, worry, exhaustion, advocacy, and love at the same time. Their experiences matter too.
The Work Continues
One of the most meaningful parts of this campaign was seeing it reach people who live with Sickle Cell Disease. Their responses reminded me why sharing these stories and facts matters.
Awareness creates opportunities for people to learn.
Understanding can challenge harmful assumptions.
Compassion can change the way someone is treated.
Advocacy can help a warrior feel less alone.
Although September is ending, I will continue supporting Sickle Cell awareness and honoring Tony’s legacy. The Wade Designs Sickle Cell Awareness collection will remain available throughout the year because this cause does not disappear when the calendar changes.
For anyone who wants to support advocacy directly, I encourage you to learn more about the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, the organization I have consistently supported.
Learn. Support. Remember.
To every Sickle Cell warrior: your pain is real, your voice matters, and you deserve to be heard.
To every caregiver: the support, questions, sacrifices, and love you provide matter.
To every family carrying the loss of someone they love: their life and legacy still deserve to be spoken about.
September may be ending, but awareness must continue.
Learn. Support. Remember.
Awareness is understanding.
Cassandra M. Wade