Woman living with sickle cell defeats the odds

Patricia McGill, an African American woman from Houston, Texas, recently celebrated her 80th birthday despite living with sickle cell disease.

Life with sickle cell

McGill is one of the oldest people in the nation with sickle cell disease. The life expectancy of someone with the disease is 52, which disproportionately effects Black people.

The Houston native was diagnosed with sickle cell disease after years of mysterious illnesses. “I was sick a lot, and when I did get sick, it was more serious than if my siblings got the same illness,” McGill told NBC.

Patricia McGill’s will to overcome challenges

Despite her condition, McGill was determined to live life to the fullest.

“I decided that if I might only live to about 30, which is what I initially thought, I would do everything I wanted to do,” she said.

Education and Career

Even though faced with challenges, McGill attended Hampton University in Virginia, majoring in elementary and special education. Through perseverance and determination.

For 37 years, she worked with students with learning disabilities, driven by her deep understanding of their struggles due to her battle with orthographic dyslexia.

Orthographic dyslexia is a learning disability that affects her ability to spell. Her children also have learning disabilities, she said.

“I knew there were others like us who needed support and understanding,” McGill said.

“I always made it a point to show them that they were not alone and that they could overcome their challenges.”

Advocacy

McGill is also an advocate for others battling sickle cell. At her 81st birthday party, she raised $16,000 for the Sickle Cell Association of Texas Marc Thomas Foundation to support children with the disease and their families.

Her advocacy also includes encouraging others with sickle cell disease to be open about their condition.

“One thing I’ve learned over the years is that sickle cell patients often hide their illness,” she said. “I think that’s a big mistake. When people understand what you’re going through, they are more likely to offer productive help.”

What is sickle cell

According to John Hopkins, sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder. It is marked by flawed hemoglobin. That’s the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues of the body. So, sickle cell disease interferes with the delivery of oxygen to the tissues.

Nutrition can play a significant role in managing the disease.

According to Nutrition and Metabolic Insights, good nutrition can help manage sickle cell disease and maintain health by drinking more water, taking folic acid, eating healthy, consuming iron-rich foods and taking supplements.

Her support system

A mother of three, McGill credits her faith and strong support system from family and medical professionals during her battle with sickle cell.

“My favorite Bible verse, Romans 8:28, reminds me that all things work together for good,” she said. “This belief has helped me stay positive despite the challenges.”