Hi, my name is Kordell Lewis, and sickle cell disease has had a profound impact on my life.
Living with this condition has shaped not only my physical experiences, but also my mindset, priorities, and character. It has taught me lessons that many people my age may never fully understand.
Sickle cell disease means learning how to face sudden pain crises, frequent hospital visits, and unexpected disruptions while still trying to maintain a sense of normalcy in school, relationships, and daily life. There are days when I feel completely fine, and other days when intense pain can stop me from doing even the simplest activities.
One of the hardest parts of living with sickle cell is its unpredictability. Missing school, events, or important moments can be frustrating. But it has also taught me to value every opportunity I do have.
💪 Building Resilience and Discipline
Because of sickle cell disease, I had to learn resilience and patience at a young age. I have had to push through difficult moments, stay mentally strong, and adapt when life does not go as planned.
This condition has also taught me to take my health seriously. I have learned the importance of staying hydrated, managing stress, listening to my body, and making choices that help protect my well-being.
At the same time, sickle cell has given me a deeper sense of empathy. I understand what it feels like to fight battles that other people may not see. That perspective has made me more compassionate, more aware, and more understanding of others who are facing their own unseen struggles.
🎓 What This Scholarship Means to Me
Receiving the Warrior on the Rise Scholarship means so much because it supports my education and reminds me that my future is still full of possibility.
Rather than letting sickle cell define my limits, I use it as motivation to prove to myself that I am capable of achieving my goals. This journey has strengthened my determination, work ethic, and mental toughness — qualities I will carry with me into college and my future career.
Sickle cell disease has been both a challenge and a teacher in my life. It continues to influence my journey, but it does not define who I am or what I am capable of 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, building futures, and refusing to let obstacles determine what they can become.
Your donation helps provide encouragement, financial support, and hope to young people who are determined to rise above challenges and achieve their goals.
Thank you for believing in me and in the future of Warrior Scholars everywhere.
— Kordell
