Sickle Cell Warrior Who Doctors Said May Not Live Up To 20 Years Shares Her Story As She Clocks 40 Years

A woman suffering from the sickle cell disorder, who doctors feared wouldn't live up to 20 years old, is now in her 40s, married, and also a mother. 

She took to Twitter to share her story and also to advise people.

She wrote: "I am genotype SS. Growing up I was so used to being desperately sick and having blood transfusions that I thought it was something all children experienced. I grew up listening to doctors tell my mum not to have high hopes I might not live to be 20. My parents accepted their fate."

She added: "Today I’m in my 40s. If my parents were alive they’d be grand parents. I have had a career spanning broadcasting, the development sector and politics. All of which I excelled at. I’m married. I’m still alive. It has NOT BEEN AN EASY ROAD not for me or loved ones."

She went on to advise people to find out their genotype and to do multiple tests at different labs to be sure, before going into marriage.

Read her thread below.