My sweet friend Leah has fallen on some hard times and could really use some help getting back on her feet. Leah has sickle cell disease. If you’ve never met anyone with this disease you know how debilitating it can be. If you don’t know anything about it please research but in brief, has to do with abnormal red blood cells. (Normal cells are round and move easily through blood vessels. Sickle cells are C-shaped, hard, and sticky, which causes blockages in the blood flow. These blockages stop oxygen from reaching parts of the body, leading to severe pain. Sickle cells also die faster, making the body work harder and causing fatigue or tiredness. Managing sickle cell means staying hydrated, healthy, taking medications regularly, and avoiding stress or triggers that can lead to pain crises.)

Leah and I have been friends for nearly 20 years. She now lives in NY and lost her editing job in 2023. Despite applying for hundreds of jobs she has not been able to find anything steady since. She’s applied in her field and out and has picked up odd jobs where she can but is also limited by her health.

Currently she's in this vicious cycle where stress, anxiety, and depression are crippling on their own, but are also fueling more frequent sickle cell pain crises and more severe bouts of chronic pain. She's struggling to afford basic necessities, from rent and utility bills to groceries and toiletries, often having to forgo one for the other. She is facing eviction through housing court for nonpayment of rent, lost SNAP in August and was denied unemployment benefits due to not making enough in the past year and a half, when she was attempting to hold down two part-time jobs and a work-from-home temp job. She's doing what she can: continuing to apply for jobs, getting mental health help, and getting assistance determining if there are any other state benefits she might be eligible for in her current position. While her sickle cell has generally improved since moving to New York from Florida, the cold can wreak havoc on her body if she's not adequately prepared. If she loses her housing, it could be devastating.

Leah is a beautiful soul; smart, kind and giving. She’s a proud Auntie, loving sister and a fierce friend. She’s not usually someone who asks for help but would give you the shirt off her own back (or use it to wrap up an animal in need). Right now, she desperately needs community and support to help her keep up with rent and get back on top of her health and life. I appreciate anyone who took the time to read this and your kindness in sharing or donating to help Leah.