Hi, my name is Jessica Shelton, and sickle cell disease has had a significant impact on my life — not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.
Living with sickle cell means learning how to cope with a condition that can be unpredictable. Because I am immunocompromised and have experienced complications from this disease, I have had to be careful with my health in ways many people may not see or understand. I have been hospitalized several times, and those hospitalizations have affected some of the moments and opportunities that mattered most to me.
One of the hardest experiences of my life happened the night before my father’s funeral. I was hospitalized because of complications from sickle cell disease, and because I had to go into surgery the next morning, I missed his funeral entirely. Missing such an important ceremony weighed heavily on me. Even though it was completely out of my control, I still look back and wish I could have been there.
That experience showed me how deeply sickle cell can affect every part of life — even moments of grief, family, and closure.
💪 Facing Setbacks and Still Showing Up
Sickle cell disease has also affected my school and leadership experiences. In middle school, I was part of student council and dreamed of becoming student council secretary. But while I was hospitalized, I missed several meetings and was unable to earn the hours needed for the role.
Even though I considered myself reliable and truly wanted to serve, my teachers did not think it would be best for me to take on that responsibility because of my health. That was difficult because I knew I was capable, but my illness created limitations I could not always control.
The unpredictability of sickle cell disease has made it harder for others to rely on me in certain situations, even when I am doing my very best. I always try to keep my word and follow through, but my health is the one factor that can change suddenly.
Still, I continue to show up in the ways I can. I continue to care, to try, and to keep moving forward.
🎓 What This Scholarship Means to Me
Receiving the Warrior on the Rise Scholarship means so much because it reminds me that my challenges do not take away my value, my potential, or my future.
This scholarship supports my education and encourages me to keep pursuing my goals, even when sickle cell disease creates obstacles along the way. It reminds me that I am seen — not just for the limitations others may notice, but for my strength, my perseverance, and my determination to continue rising.
Sickle cell disease may affect what I can control, but it does not control who I am becoming.
🌟 Help More Warrior Scholars Rise
When you support the Warrior on the Rise Scholarship Fund, you are investing in students like me — scholars impacted by sickle cell disease who are pursuing education while navigating physical, emotional, and mental challenges many people never see.
Your donation helps provide encouragement, financial support, and hope to young people who are determined to keep going, even when life does not go as planned.
Thank you for believing in me and in the future of Warrior Scholars everywhere.
— Jessica
