Interviews were conducted by Sickle Cell Warriors of Wisconsin.
James Griffin
SCD Warrior & Advocate
In a heartfelt interview, James Griffin, now a published author, recounted his journey with sickle cell disease (SCD), a condition which became part of his life at the tender age of 2.
He vividly described the frequent hospital stays, the daunting reality of a restricted childhood and the constant battle against misconceptions surrounding SCD. “Growing up was different for me, as I was in and out of the hospital”, James confessed. “Growing up with SCD was isolating while in school and I did not openly talk about having sickle cell.
I wanted to be seen as normal, so I kept it hidden throughout my youth. After I left high school, I didn’t know what to do as all my life had prevented me from doing things because I knew the pain would come on”.
Venturing into the professional world after high school, allowed James to experience firsthand the misconceptions about SCD in society. He experienced fear of loss of employment due to missing days when in pain or unwell and saw the need to educate the public on SCD and how it impacts warriors.
Ultimately, James was able to find his calling as a medical assistant in a pediatric hospital, so he could inspire children living with chronic illnesses and offer that first-hand experience through the eyes of compassion. In addition to his personal journey, James has become passionate about advocating for SCD awareness on a local and national level. His ultimate dream which he describes as “having a goal to help cure 100,000 people living with SCD across the world”, is the driving force behind his tireless advocacy through social media, public speaking engagements, and involvement in organizations which champion for support, resources, and a cure.
Furthermore, James’ advocacy extends to the literary realm, where he channels his experiences into writing. His most recent book, “Breaking Silence: Living With Sickle Cell Anemia” aims to offer a raw and honest portrayal of life living with SCD.
Through his book, he hopes to reach a wider audience fostering empathy, education, and solidarity among readers worldwide. As James continues to navigate life with resilience and
grace, his advocacy efforts and literary endeavors serve as powerful testimonies to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
How, might you ask? By centering on his mantra, “I never let a bad day define me” and using that as a guiding light not only for himself, but through inspiring others.