Voices of sickle cell season 1 episode 4 with Calvanay

Voices of Sickle Cell: Season 1, Episode 4 – A Conversation with Calvanay

Welcome back to another episode of Voices of Sickle Cell, a platform dedicated to amplifying the stories, struggles, and triumphs of sickle cell warriors while shining lights not often talked about outside of closed doors. Brought to you by LOVE & FASHION, this series is here to educate, inspire, and build a stronger, more connected community.

In this episode Tray Lover, host of voices of sickle cell and owner of LOVE & FASHION had the privilege of speaking with sickle cell warrior Calvanay. Calvanay is the founder of the sickle cell support group “The Pull-Up,”. Calvanay, a brave individual who lives with sickle cell anemia, a condition that has shaped her journey in profound ways. In this video, she opens up about the challenges she has faced, including a history of strokes, discrimination, and insults by hospital staff that have impacted her health, and shares her traumatic birth story that left a lasting mark on her life.

 

Despite the obstacles, Calvanay has persevered and is currently pursuing a career in the medical field, driven by a deep desire to help others facing similar struggles. Join her as she takes you through her personal experiences and insights, shedding light on the realities of living with sickle cell anemia while navigating life and education in the medical world.

Calvanay is a remarkable individual whose life is defined not only by the challenges of living with sickle cell disease but also by the strength and resilience with which she meets those challenges every day. Despite battling a condition that brings with it chronic pain, fatigue, and numerous medical hurdles, Calvanay has become a beacon of hope and empowerment for others. As an advocate for sickle cell awareness, a camp director for children affected by the disease, a registered nurse, and a mentor to those facing similar health struggles, she has transformed her personal adversity into a powerful platform for change.

Her story is one of perseverance, showing that even in the face of debilitating illness, it is possible to pursue passions, inspire others, and make a meaningful difference. As a nurse, Calvanay not only provides care to her patients but also uses her own experience to connect with them on a deeper level, offering support, encouragement, and understanding. As a camp director, she creates spaces where children with sickle cell can feel understood and supported, while also educating the community about the importance of advocacy and awareness.

Through it all, Calvanay remains a steadfast mentor, guiding others on their journeys and showing them that, despite the limitations sickle cell might impose, the possibilities for a fulfilling and impactful life are endless. Her resilience and determination stand as a testament to the power of the human spirit, inspiring everyone who crosses her path to keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles.

Blogger Personal Insight

Calvanay has always been a source of pride and inspiration for me, and watching her journey unfold continues to amaze me. I’ve known her since I was a little kid, and through all the years, one thing has always stood out: her unwavering dedication. Whether it’s advocating for those affected by sickle cell anemia or being the strongest voice for our community, Calvy is truly remarkable. Her passion and commitment to raising awareness make warriors like myself feel inspired to do more, to stand up, and to continue pushing forward in the fight for change.

When I see the smile on her face as she shares her story, it reminds me of the power of her voice and how deeply she cares about the cause. The love and determination she pours into the sickle cell community are unmatched, and her work continues to create ripples of positive impact. I am beyond grateful to have her as a mentor, and I admire the way she uses her experiences and strength to empower others.

I pray she continues her incredible journey and that her influence only grows. Thank you, Calvy, for being such an amazing force and an inspiration to us all. You’re not just impacting lives; you’re changing the world, one person at a time.
— Jocelyn Johnson

Calvanay’s Future Plan
In the future, Calvanay plans to expand her impact by launching a mentoring project aimed at educating sickle cell warriors on how to balance their lives while maintaining their health. She envisions transforming her support group, “The Pull-Up,” into a nonprofit organization dedicated to this cause. Additionally, she intends to implement a medication reminder program to help warriors stay on track with their treatments, ultimately improving their quality of life. With a deep passion for helping others, Calvanay also aspires to pursue a degree in social work, further equipping herself to advocate for and support those living with sickle cell.

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Watch the Full Episode

Be sure to watch the full interview in the video above and immerse yourself in the powerful story of a warrior who turned adversity into triumph.

Watch previous episode(s) with:

Durreyl on season 1-episode 3 CLICK HERE

Dana Whyte on season 1-episode 2 CLICK HERE

Zaron on season 1-episode 1 CLICK HERE

Upcoming episode with Misa Masters CLICK HERE

 

Support the Cause

Donate Blood, Save Lives: Every donation has the power to make a difference. Help us continue saving lives by scheduling your blood donation today. Visit www.nybc.org/LF to find a location near you and be a hero to sickle cell warriors in need. Your donation of blood, plasma, and platelets can save up to three lives!

Shop & Support: While you're here, take a moment to visit our merch store at www.loveandfashionapparel.com. Your purchases directly support our efforts to raise awareness, fund vital initiatives, and bring hope to the sickle cell community. Every item you buy helps us continue this important work.

Creae the perfect event: Love & Fashion Bookings provides a large array of services that is designed to not only create an event that you will never forget but also give you a peace of mind, savings to your bank account and saving you time to allocate to other areas before your big day. Do it all with a smile as we donate 5% of all profits to sickle cell awareness. Visit us today at www.loveandfashion.nyc 

Join the Conversation

We’d love to hear from you! What part of Danas’s story resonated with you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments and help us spread the word. Let’s continue breaking barriers, supporting one another, and uplifting the sickle cell community—together.

Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes of Voices of Sickle Cell!

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