Hi, my name is MarQuis Soles, and living with sickle cell disease has impacted many parts of my life — including my education, work, family, and everyday routine.
I am motivated and committed to reaching my goals, but sickle cell adds challenges that require constant planning, patience, and adjustment. Every day, I have to take medication to help my body function properly. Before I can even leave the house for an event or outing, I have to make sure I have taken my pills, used my albuterol, and hydrated with water.
For many people, getting up and going somewhere may feel simple. For me, it requires preparation and awareness because I have to protect my health before I step outside.
💪 Managing Pain, Fatigue, and Missed Opportunities
My pain crises are unpredictable and can become severe very quickly. When they happen, I often have no choice but to miss school or work so I can manage the pain, receive medical care, or recover at home. These absences are not because I lack dedication. They happen because my health sometimes needs immediate attention.
Missing school makes it harder to keep up with assignments, and missing work affects my income and stability. Even on days when I am not in crisis, fatigue can make it difficult to keep the same pace as my friends.
There have been times when severe pain in my legs kept me from walking or caused me to miss outings with friends. I have missed paid field trips during my senior year of high school because I could not walk. I have also had to give up activities like football and basketball because I become tired quickly, and being in the sun can drain my energy to the point of triggering a pain crisis.
Sickle cell has forced me to miss moments I wanted to enjoy, but it has also taught me how to listen to my body and respect my limits.
👨👩👦 A Family Journey
Sickle cell does not only affect me. It affects my family too.
There have been times when my mom had to leave important moments, including my brother’s birthday dinner, to take me to the emergency room. She has also had to miss work during my week-long hospital stays.
My brother has also played a huge role in helping me manage my illness. When I am sick or in the hospital, he steps in to help with chores, run errands, and support me during recovery. He has always been there for me, and I am grateful for his help.
Their support reminds me that my journey with sickle cell is not something I carry alone.
⚡ Working Toward a Career as an Electrician
Despite these setbacks, sickle cell has taught me discipline, determination, and patience. It has motivated me to pursue a career that can help me build stability while also being mindful of my health.
I am currently enrolled in an electrician program and working toward a future where I can support myself, contribute to my family, and build a career with purpose.
Sickle cell has created challenges in my life, but it has not taken away my drive to keep moving forward.
🎓 What This Scholarship Means to Me
Receiving the Warrior on the Rise Scholarship means so much because it supports my education, my training, and my goal of becoming an electrician.
This scholarship helps reduce some of the financial pressure that comes with pursuing my future while managing a chronic illness. It also reminds me that my hard work, my goals, and my story matter.
I am determined to keep learning, keep growing, and keep building a stable future for myself and my family.
🌟 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, career training, independence, and stability while navigating 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.
— MarQuis
