It's Alexis's 30th BDay! Fight Sickle Cell!

Hello,

I am Alexis Wardlow. I have Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), which is an inherited blood disease characterized by bodily pain, fatigue, organ damage, bone death, low immune system, as well as the risk of infections and other related disorders. As a child, I was constantly in and out of hospitals and doctor appointments, missing weeks of school, and being semi-confined to my home to avoid the risk of catching regular garden-variety germs. But no matter the circumstances I was under, continuing my education was and always is a major priority. In my early twenties, I received a diagnosis of liver disease condition from underlying symptoms of Sickle Cell. Within the first couple of years, I managed it well and was able to enroll in college for my Psychology Degree. A year after, the liver disease began wreaking havoc on my body for another two years until my liver began to die shutting down my body in the process. I went blind, had weak motor skills, and had incontinence. I died twice and then was put into a medically induced coma until the doctors could figure out how to pull me back from death's door for a third time. With SCD, I have daily symptoms like pain throughout my body and specifically in my joints. Even in places such as my face, hands, scalp – anywhere that blood flows, Sickle Cell can cause pain. During a typical crisis, my energy is usually exceptionally low, requiring me to take prescribed pain medications, drink lots of fluids, and if it gets serious enough for me to go to an E.R., they may administer a transfusion, IV fluids, and other medications to control the rate of pain. If started early enough before the pain gets out of control, the process can be highly effective, allowing me to return home after hours or days. There have been plenty of times when I have stayed in the hospital in-patient for over a month dealing with pain. Some of the symptoms that come with SCD have led me to develop other medical conditions including gallbladder issues, asthma, avascular necrosis (bone death and deterioration); as well as countless surgeries, infections, and medications.

Awareness Crusade:

Sickle cell disease is a devastating disease that affects over 100,000 people in America and millions worldwide. When Alexis was born, she was diagnosed with SCD. By the grace of God and despite hundreds of hospitalizations, dozens of blood transfusions, and multiple major surgeries, Alexis continues to fight. As you can imagine, this was devastating for her parents and family. However, with their dedication to care for and love her, she will be turning 30 years old on September 22, 2023! I truly admire how Alexis’s family perseveres with passion and love for her. I genuinely believe that the love, faith, and hope from her family have helped emerge the warrior spirit in Alexis to fight back. My team and I are implementing a program that will bring awareness and collaborative partnerships to support families with SCD every year. An event will be held on or around Alexis’s birthday. Alexis desires to love beyond herself and reach out to others. Eagles Landing is holding a GoFundMe for Alexis Wardlow. We are honored to help support her dreams and needs as we celebrate her 30th birthday on September 23, 2023. Alexis would like to go back to school to receive a Psychology Degree. We are planning to support her in reaching her goals now, as well as in the future. Our goal is to raise $5,000 or more and will welcome gift cards and in-kind donations as well.

On behalf of the Eagles Landing Corporation team, and in honor of Sickle Cell Awareness Month, we are asking for your help. Please contribute to the Robust War Against Sickle Cell Disease and help us support Alexis as we bring awareness to others through her story.

Best Regards,

Sheila Hadassah Smith

President/CEO

Eagles Landing Corp