THE JOURNEY HAS BEEN BLISSFUL – AISHA EDWARD NARRATES

By Favour Ukazu, Awka

The National Coordinator, Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder, (APLSCD), Mrs. Aisha Edward, says the journey of the group created eight years ago has been blissful.

APLSCD was created to provide succor, welfare, and shelter for people living with the disorder and the National Coordinator traced its success story to unflinching support it has enjoyed from well-meaning Nigerians.

She expressed gratitude to Engr Arthur Eze, who out of his generosity funded the establishment of sickle cell clinic in Ukpo, Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State to provide adequate medical support for over 4 years.

While regretting that the clinic in Ukpo is now underutilized due to distance and financial constraints, Edward appreciated the people of Agulu, who took them in, nurtured them and as well provided shelter for them over this years.

She also thanked the Catholic and Anglican churches, the clergy, Catholic Women Organization and other associations which have been of strong support to persons living with this disorder.

The APLSCD National Coordinator extolled the immediate past administration of Governor Willie Obiano for being the first to sign the Sickle Cell Bill into Law and the present administration for the continued support to the association.

“The current government has shown immense support, most especially, the wife of the governor, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, who through her “Healthy Living” initiative, has been able to touch lives”.

Mrs Edward lauded her biggest benefactors, Sirs Paul Chukwuma and Emmanuel Ibeneme and their wives, who having learnt about their plights immediately adopted the association with immense support ranging from scholarships to welfare and payment of hospital bills.

“They have been our strong backbone,” she remarked even as she also acknowledge the support of Hon. Charles Ezeani, who sponsored and provided the Legislative support that birthed the Sickle Cell Law.

“We would also not fail to recognize HE Mr. Peter Obi, Sen. Uche Ekwunife, Sen. Victor Umeh, Rt. Hon. Dozie Nwankwo, Hon. Johnbosco Onunkwo, HRH Innocent Obodoakor and HRH Godwin Ezeilo, Sir. Eric Okoye, Prof. Stella Okunna, Chief Sir Ikenna Okafor, Chief Sir Azubike Ekwozor, and other benefactors whom due to want of space we may not have mentioned here. We sincerely appreciate your support.

The National Coordinator used this medium to plead with parents to stop forcing their daughters into marriage without knowing their genotype.

She equally urged the youths to be careful with their marital choices and to be wary of campus marriage especially between students.

The event featured a visit by the association to the home with some palliatives to support the health of people living with sickle cell disorder.