Sickle cell survivor, Miss Sanni Joy Omowunmi has shared her experience as she bagged first class from the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics at the Lagos State University.
In a tweet post, Miss Sani said she entered the University of Lagos with six legs and graduated with her 2 legs.
While narrating her ordeal of frequent medical checkups coupled with academic course works, she said, “I got admission into Unilag when I had a Sickle Cell complication- Avascular Necrosis of the hipbone. My doctors said I could never walk on my own until I have hip replacement surgery on both hips. Hence they moved me from using crutches to using a walking frame.”
She noted that she wrote all her examinations as a student of UNILAG at the hospital.
“I remember writing my 100level exams on the hospital bed! Heck, I wrote almost every exam at the hospital. Writing lab reports and doing my assignments there sometimes too. I made up my mind to stop using crutches even if it will take me to limp and feel the pain.”
Joy who almost got stigmatized with her condition explained how she walked to class and lab practical in pain and shame due to the weight of her walking frame.
“I can’t even take a cab because the frame was heavy and the cabmen don’t have the patience to wait for the process of folding it.”
“It took a toll on me socially, mentally, and physically. Other students would stare at me on the road. Some got close to offering help and even became friends in the long run. Some just stared and walked past.”
Joy who changed her course of study in her second year to a less stressful one disclosed how battling with sickle cell and having to study in Unilag coupled with the constant stress has a huge effect on her health.
“My initial course, Biochemistry was stressful as the lectures were held at a college in a distant location from my hostel. So I changed to the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics which was closer, and also aligned with my area of interest. And I graduated from the department”
“I have been in and out of the hospitals so many times for sickle cell crisis. Unilag medical center was almost like my second home at some point. The pain just springs up from nowhere and there were times I had to be rushed at midnight from the hostel to the medical center.” She explained.
She expressed her gratitude to a few of her friends and most importantly her mother and sisters, who constantly remind her to take care of herself, take her drugs, drink plenty of water, and avoid stress and cold.
“People always wondered why I carried big handbags everywhere. I couldn’t go anywhere without at least two bottles of water, a jacket, and socks. The scars on my body are a result of allergic reactions to an injection they give me during a pain crisis. Imagine having to choose between having flawless skin and being relieved of pain.” She explained.
Finally, she urged brands and multinational companies to look out for her that she can represent the company and its core values as she was able to learn Graphics Design during those crises.
She also claimed to have taken a course in Health Safety and Environment which makes her an HSE officer.