A writer, graphic designer, author, book editor, content creator and Sickle Cell Warrior, Chinwe Nwagu is a true polymath. Yet her most profound work extends beyond the screen and the printed page. In 2022, in a move she believes to be her life’s task, Chinwe started an NGO with a sole focus: to address the needs of families dealing with sickle cell disease, particularly those in impoverished communities.
Having experienced firsthand the inadequacies of merely providing routine drugs without addressing the broader issues of poverty and malnutrition, Chinwe knew she had to take a different approach. Rather than spreading resources thinly, she decided to concentrate her efforts on one family at a time, ensuring they received not just support but the means to significantly improve their quality of life. For Chinwe, sickle cell doesn’t just rob its victims of good health; it steals moments, opportunities and hope. She became driven by the idea that if she could help just one family at a time, she could give them a fighting chance to live fully.
“I feel like if you go to improvised communities and give six warriors N2000 for their medicine or give them money for their medicine. No one is going to buy drugs,” she explained. “They first buy food because it’s someone that eats, that will be able to take medicine.”
Chinwe’s passion for helping families affected by sickle cell dates back to her time volunteering at a local nonprofit. She vividly recalls meeting two families who deeply impacted her. In one case, a single mother struggled to care for her two children, both Warriors, on the meagre income from her petty trading.
The sight of the family’s struggle moved Chinwe. The children, around ten and eight years old, wore expressions of determination, despite their obvious exhaustion. Their mother, once full of dreams, saw her aspirations crushed under the weight of her children’s illness, with only a flicker of hope remaining.
Chinwe began by regularly bringing food to the family, knowing it was only a temporary solution. To provide lasting relief, she launched a fundraising campaign through her NGO, Project Sickled, using both the organisation’s and her personal funds. The campaign aimed to cover the children’s tuition, provide essential supplies, and ensure the family had a stable living situation. Despite financial strains, the foundation rallied, not only paying rent but also helping the mother start a small business.
The transformation was remarkable. The mother, once overwhelmed by her financial struggles, now had a steady income, and her children could attend school regularly.
But Chinwe’s journey didn’t end there. She soon encountered another family—two orphaned Warriors struggling with the disease. Her efforts for this family were no less impactful, as she provided monthly aid and offered personal funds when needed. Despite the ongoing financial challenges faced by Project Sickled, her dedication never wavered.
Of course, the emotional toll of running the NGO and managing her own health as a sickle cell warrior was heavy. Chinwe often found herself overwhelmed, with the NGO’s account frequently empty and her own finances stretched thin. Still, it was the support from those she helped that kept her going.
“A few years back, I just wanted to drop Project Sickled, but one of the families called me and was, like, ‘How are you? I just want to check up on you.’,” Chinwe remembered the caller saying. That simple gesture, the show of concern for her well-being, rekindled her spirit.
Chinwe’s story is one of resilience and hope, but it is not without its challenges. The emotional weight of supporting others while managing her own illness often feels unbearable. Relationships, too, have been affected. Chinwe has heard countless stories—like the woman whose engagement was called off because her fiancé’s mother feared she wouldn’t be able to carry a pregnancy to term, or the Warrior who struggled to maintain employment due to the unpredictability of sickle cell crises.
A lack of sufficient support systems is another major issue for those living with sickle cell disease. However, Chinwe is grateful for the unwavering support she receives from her family, both for her health and her NGO. Yet, the limited availability of medical facilities and health insurance for Warriors remains a pressing concern.
In addition to her work as a humanitarian, Chinwe is an accomplished author, having published three books: Royalty (2018), Breaking Free, and Home. She has also written a short novel titled Fading.
Chinwe envisions a future where her initiatives grow, providing sustainable solutions and lasting change. She encourages fellow Warriors to keep their hopes high as they chase their dreams.
“Sickle cell will delay you, but it doesn’t and can never take away all you will ever become,” she said.
Chinwe Nwagu, a multifaceted professional and Sickle Cell Warrior, founded an NGO in 2022 focused on supporting families affected by sickle cell disease, particularly in impoverished communities. Recognizing that basic medical aid alone was insufficient, she adopted a holistic approach, assisting one family at a time to improve their overall quality of life. Her efforts included providing food, educational support, and helping family members start small businesses, which transformed their situations significantly.
Chinwe’s dedication stemmed from her volunteering experience, where she saw firsthand the impact of sickle cell on families. Despite emotional and financial challenges, her commitment to the cause never wavered, supported by the gratitude and concern from the families she helped. Her story is one of resilience and determination, as she balances her personal health challenges with her humanitarian efforts.
In addition to her NGO work, Chinwe is a published author of three books and a short novel, further showcasing her versatility and commitment to making a positive impact. She envisions sustainable growth for her initiatives and remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for fellow Warriors, emphasizing that while sickle cell may cause delays, it cannot diminish one's potential.
