The Doctor is a Warrior: – Dr. Beckley Emmanuel

Dr. Beckley Emmanuel’s Sickle Cell Journey and Advocacy! –

“To the sickle cell community; – Stay Strong, Take Care of Yourself, and Keep the Faith Going.”

Via David Oletu (DCM)

I hope to achieve a society where people living with sickle cell disease are recognised, appreciated, and heard—where their voices are heard and supported.

Also, I hope to achieve stability and empowerment for the sickle cell community so that we can all be happy and healthy.

And I aim to continue educating and encouraging people to be aware of their genotypes and know the implications of genotype incompatibility.

The Doctor is a Warrior: – Dr. Beckley Emmanuel

Meet Dr. Beckley Emmanuel, a vibrant and joyful soul who embodies the true spirit of a warrior. 

Living with sickle cell disease has not only shaped his journey,

but has also fuelled his passion to make a difference in the lives of others affected by this debilitating condition. 

As a medical doctor and advocate, Dr. Beckley is dedicated to raising awareness, supporting patients and families,

and pushing for greater understanding and inclusion. 

With his infectious enthusiasm, unwavering resilience, and deep empathy, he is a shining light of hope and inspiration to many. 

Through his work, Dr. Beckley aims to break down stigmas, challenge misconceptions,

and empower individuals to take control of their health and well-being. 

In this exclusive interview, Dr. Beckley shares his personal story, insights, and vision for a brighter future for the sickle cell community. 

The Doctor is a Warrior: – Dr. Beckley Emmanuel

DCM: Can we meet you? 

Dr. Beckley: I’m Beckley Emmanuel; 29 years old. I’m a human anatomist, medical doctor, and product manager. I’m a simple, easygoing, and fun-loving person.

DCM: How did you navigate the demands that come with studying medicine in school while dealing with the physical and emotional impacts of sickle cell disease?

Dr. Beckley: Well, I’d first say God helped me because it wasn’t easy. It was all God’s grace.

On the other hand, I’d also say being very aware of my health helped me make conscious efforts towards ensuring I stayed as healthy as I could.

Eating well, getting rest, taking my routine medications, and having regular visits with my haematologist. 

I also had good social support from family and friends, and that made the weight a bit lighter to carry.

Though I still had to deal with health challenges, having crises every now and then,

but I came out of them and continued pushing through, and here I am today.

DCM: What specific challenges did you face in medical school due to your sickle cell disease, and how did you overcome them?

For example, were there particular times when you had to miss classes or rotations due to health issues, and if so, how did you catch up or adapt?

The Doctor is a Warrior: – Dr. Beckley Emmanuel

Dr. Beckley: Well, I think my major challenges were battling chronic fatigue and dealing with episodes of painful crises.

So, I had to plan my time, fix my reading schedule,

and I was also involved in things like study groups to catch up with things I missed while I was away due to health reasons.

My classmates were also very supportive and would help with slides and notes from class for me to read up.

With all of these, I was able to catch up and didn’t have to repeat a class or year in school.

DCM: What inspired you to become an advocate for sickle cell awareness?

Dr. Beckley: Well, being a sickle cell warrior and a medical doctor is more than enough reason for me to be an advocate.

Apart from seeing the challenges and impact of sickle cell in the lives of the warriors I encounter in my clinic setting, I also experience some of these challenges,

and because I’ve been able to tackle and overcome some of these challenges myself,

it has spurred me into being passionate about the sickle cell community,

and wanting to help other warriors overcome the challenges and live happy and very normal lives.

DCM: As a medical doctor, can you explain the genetics and pathophysiology of sickle cell disease?

Dr. Beckley: Wow, genetics and pathophysiology are a whole lot. I’d advise going to medical school for that (laughs).

Well, sickle cell disease is basically an inherited or hereditary disorder of the blood;

that affects most especially the red blood cells as a result of mutations in some of the genes.

And it basically arises from an offspring inheriting both S genes or traits from each parent who is either a carrier of the gene or living with the disease itself. 

DCM: What are some common complications and challenges associated with sickle cell disease?

Dr. Beckley: Sickle Cell Disease could affect or complicate any part of the body so far you have blood flowing through it.

Most of the common complications could range from the painful episodic crises to AVN,

to stroke, to retinopathies, to chronic ulcers, priapism in males, etc.

The complications are almost countless.

And these are things that can adversely affect the daily living of someone living with sickle cell,

having to deal with the chronic excruciating pain from AVN or blindness from retinopathy and so on. 

The Doctor is a Warrior: – Dr. Beckley Emmanuel

DCM: How do you address misconceptions or stigma surrounding sickle cell disease?

Dr. Beckley: For me, I’d say constant and consistent advocacy and education.

Enlightening people about sickle cell disease and genotype incompatibility.

Also empowering those living with sickle cell so that they can also become relevant for themselves and society;

that way people would see that yes, living with sickle cell isn’t a death sentence. 

DCM: How do you empower patients and families affected by sickle cell disease?

Dr. Beckley: I work with a number of foundations that aim at supporting sickle cell warriors and their families.

This could range from providing financial support to health insurance,

and to occupational support by training them with marketable skills that they can use to make a living for themselves.

Organising communities and support groups virtually and physically where they can feel safe to express themselves and get the help that they need.

DCM: What do you hope to achieve through your continued advocacy work?

Dr. Beckley: I hope to achieve a society where people living with sickle cell disease are recognised, appreciated, and heard—

where their voices are heard and supported.

Also, I hope to achieve stability and empowerment for the sickle cell community so that we can all be happy and healthy.

And I aim to continue educating and encouraging people to be aware of their genotypes and know the implications of genotype incompatibility.

DCM: What message would you love to convey to the sickle cell community and beyond?

Dr. Beckley: To the sickle cell community, stay strong, take care of yourself, and keep the faith going.

We’ll keep working and doing our best for every one of you, and we hope that all our dreams come true. Stay jiggy and hydrated.

Also Read: Beyond Sickle-Cell: Oche Emmanuel’s Story of Hope & Triumph – Diademng (thediademng.org)

The Doctor is a Warrior: – Dr. Beckley Emmanuel

More from Dr. Beckley’s:   https://www.instagram.com/thecruisedoc?igsh=MWl6dmZocnBpZHIxaA==