My husband and I got married after we had our firstborn. We dated for two years before the pregnancy happened. Throughout the relationship, there was no mention of our sickle status. It just didn’t come up. We only found out we were both carriers when I got pregnant and went to the hospital for tests.

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By then it was too late to do anything about it. We just had to pray and trust God that the baby would be healthy. Thankfully, everything turned out well. Our son was born healthy.

I was determined not to have another child with him again. I didn’t want to push my luck. He seemed to be on my side but his tune changed after we got married.

“We can’t have only one child,” he told me, “even if you don’t want to, I need another child.”

Every time he brought it up, I pushed back against it. I reminded him we were not compatible. “We are both carriers, it’s not wise to try for another child.”

According to him, the first child turned out fine so why not try again? I was resolute in my stance but his persistence knew no limits.

Six years into the marriage, I caved. I had a beautiful baby boy. He was strong and very healthy. He is still a strong child, no signs of sickness. He lives with my mother because of my busy work schedule.

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Just last week I got a call from my mother. She said my boy was growing lean. I asked her to take him to the hospital. After a series of tests, we found out that he has sickle cell.

The news broke me. I have seen what people go through when they experience a crisis. I wanted to spare my child from that kind of pain but this is our reality now.

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I have spoken to people about it. They told me that although there’s no cure, it can be managed. That’s why I am here. I know this platform is big. There are doctors here and mothers with sickle-cell children. Please teach me how to manage it.

My boy is strong now but anything can happen. I don’t want to lose him. What can I do to keep him healthy and from going into crisis? They say it takes a village to raise a child. I need all the help I can get from this community.

—Mercy 

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