Hi, my name is Joshua Newlove, and when I reflect on how sickle cell disease has impacted my life, the first thing that comes to mind is the pain my family and I have gone through.
Growing up with sickle cell was hard. There were many things I could not do because they could trigger a pain crisis or put too much stress on my body. I missed a lot of school because I was in the hospital. I could not go swimming because the cold water could cause pain. I always had to dress warmly, even when I did not feel cold. I could not play sports because the physical stress could lead to a crisis.
At 17, I had to have my gallbladder removed because sickle cell kept causing painful gallstones. That was another reminder of how much this disease can affect the body in ways people may not always understand.
Sickle cell has not only affected me. It has affected my family too. When I had a pain crisis, my family — especially my mom — often had to drop everything and take me to the hospital. Their support has meant so much to me, and I know they have carried part of this journey with me.
💪 Finding My Way Forward
One of the hardest parts of living with sickle cell has been talking about it with my friends. I have often worried that if they knew more about my condition, they might treat me differently or look at me differently. That is something I still struggle with at times.
As I have gotten older and started taking new medication, I have been able to do some things I could not do as a child, like swimming with friends or family. But I still sometimes wonder what life would be like without sickle cell. I wonder what it would feel like to do any activity I wanted without worrying about triggering a pain crisis.
During my senior year of high school, I wanted to join the soccer team. I chose not to because I knew the stress on my body could cause a crisis. Decisions like that are difficult, but they have taught me how to listen to my body, protect my health, and find other ways to keep moving forward.
I have learned to cope with sickle cell the best way I can by taking my medication, drinking plenty of water, and doing what I need to do to stay healthy. These habits have helped keep me out of the hospital more than when I was younger.
🏗️ Building My Future
Even though living with sickle cell has been hard, I will not allow it to hold me back from going to college and becoming an architectural engineer.
I want to use my creativity, focus, and determination to build something meaningful for my future. Sickle cell has created challenges in my life, but it has also taught me resilience, patience, and strength.
🎓 What This Scholarship Means to Me
Receiving the Warrior on the Rise Scholarship means so much because it supports my education and helps me take the next step toward my dream of becoming an architectural engineer.
This scholarship is encouragement to keep going, even when the journey is difficult. It reminds me that I am not alone and that my goals are still possible.
Sickle cell may affect parts of my life, but it will not stop me from pursuing my future.
🌟 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 working hard to pursue education, build careers, and keep moving forward despite challenges many people never see.
Your donation helps provide encouragement, financial support, and hope to young people who are determined to rise above obstacles and create a better future.
Thank you for believing in me and in the future of Warrior Scholars everywhere.
— Joshua
