Over 35 sickle cell warriors, caregivers, health professionals, and advocates gathered at EridanSpace in Alausa, Ikeja on October 11, 2025, for SickleVive 2.0, an event focused on mental wellness and holistic health for the sickle cell community.
Organized by the SickleVive Initiative founded by Racheal Majekodunmi, the event, themed “Stronger Together; Healing Minds, Empowering Bodies, Celebrating Life,” combined education, emotional healing, and celebration while providing free routine drugs to support warriors’ ongoing health needs.
Majekodunmi said the event aligned with the International Day of the Girl Child and World Mental Health Day.
She stated that SickleVive was created to provide a compassionate and inclusive platform where warriors are seen, heard, and supported… not as victims, but as fighters thriving beyond sickle cell.
“SickleVive 2.0 is not just another event; it’s a movement. Today, we’re not only celebrating the strength of every sickle cell warrior, but also aligning with two powerful global observances because our health, our voices, and our dreams matter,” Majekodunmi said.
The event also provided warriors with emotional support through group therapy sessions, which created a safe, reflective space for warriors to speak, listen, and heal together.
Dr. Egberongbe, one of the medical speakers, harped on the importance of consistent use of routine drugs in preventing complications and urged medical practitioners to approach sickle cell care with greater empathy.
“Sickle cell affects more than the blood; it affects the bones, the joints, and the daily strength of those living with it. That’s why routine drugs aren’t optional; they’re essential. And as doctors, we must remember that every patient we see is not just a case, but a person,” Dr. Egberongbe said.
DamiPrecious, a sickle cell advocate, spoke about the importance of acceptance as the first step toward self-discovery and purpose.
“You must first find acceptance to find purpose. Healing begins when you stop fighting your reality and start embracing your strength,” she said.
Winifred Zita, also a sickle cell advocate, discussed coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety, and depression, emphasizing the role of community support.
“There’s no greater coping mechanism than finding a community that understands you without judgment. In that circle of empathy, you find peace,” Zita stated.
RTN OLUWA Enitan Sophie, Founder of NESII and President of the Rotary Club of Nigeria Globetrotters, encouraged warriors to embrace professional help and safe spaces.
The event included entertainment, games, and music as participants bonded and celebrated life and resilience.
Free routine drugs were distributed to all attendees to support continuous care and medication adherence, addressing both the emotional and physical needs of warriors.
Several organizations supported the event, including MedhubOnline as health education sponsor, NESII as group therapy sponsor, and the Sickle Cell Advocacy Foundation as advocacy partner.
Others include Journey of a Sickle Cell Warrior, Rotary Club of Nigeria Globetrotters, SDG Youth Connect, and EridanSpace, which hosted the venue.
Attendees described the event as healing, inspiring, and empowering, with many expressing gratitude for the openness of conversations and the opportunity to connect with others who understand the sickle cell journey.
“This was my first time attending a SickleVive event, and I left feeling lighter. The group therapy session helped me see that acceptance isn’t weakness; it’s strength,” one attendee said.
During her closing remarks, Majekodunmi announced plans to build SafeCell, a digital platform where warriors can find help, hope, and community support.
“SafeCell represents the next step in our journey; building a safe, digital space where warriors can find help, hope, and heart. Because the community shouldn’t end when the event does,” Majekodunmi said.