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Hope and Resilience Through Sickle Cell Disease
Manage episode 460917847 series 3619764
Kier "Junior" Spates joins us to share his incredible journey with sickle cell disease, challenging misconceptions and bringing light to the realities faced by those affected. Diagnosed at just seven years old, Kier has become a beacon of hope and advocacy, tirelessly working to spread awareness and support through his organization, Kier's Hope International. His story uncovers the emotional and physical challenges faced by individuals with sickle cell, emphasizing the critical need for empathy, understanding, and improved healthcare.
We explore the influence of family and healthcare professionals in managing the disease, highlighting the resilience and strength needed to face a world often unaware of sickle cell's severity. Kier's narrative offers a poignant viewpoint on the importance of comprehensive education and legislative change to ensure effective care for the over three million people in the U.S. carrying the sickle cell trait. Listen as we address the broader impact of racial inequities in healthcare and celebrate advances in medication that bring hope to affected communities.
Beyond personal experiences, our conversation sheds light on the global prevalence of sickle cell disease, debunking myths that it only affects African Americans. Kier shares his vision of creating specialized centers to better serve those with sickle cell, while also exploring the potential for economic empowerment within Black communities through ownership initiatives. This episode is not just an exploration of the challenges but a testament to the power of advocacy, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of a better future for all those living with sickle cell disease.
***WARNING*** This episodes mentions a suicide attempt
Find Chester Lacey on IG: @musclebuythepound / @bmg_chester
Find Kier Spates on IG: @juniorshms
www.kierjrspates.com
Podcast LIVING YOUR LIFE
Charity: www.kiershope.org
Host :@stephanealexandreofficial
Music by Liam Weisner
This episode was brought to you by www.OnsiteLabs.net for all DNA incl. paternity tests.
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Follow us on all Socials: Manhood Matters Podcast
Host: StéphaneAlexandre
IG: @stephanealexandreofficial
Music by Liam Weisner
Sponsored by www.OnsiteLabs.net
(833) 878-3323
Chapters
1. Teaser (00:00:00)
2. Introducing Kier “Junior” Spates (00:00:16)
3. Sickle Cell Disease Advocacy and Awareness (00:02:19)
4. Kier’s Early Days With Sickle Cell (00:03:08)
5. Sickle Cell Stats And Imposed Limitations (00:06:19)
6. KiersHope.org (00:07:56)
7. Treatments And Kier’s New Miracle Sickle Cell Drug (00:08:49)
8. Global Impact of Sickle Cell Stigma (00:10:50)
9. The Mission To Eradicate The Disease (00:11:26)
10. Faith, Resilience, and Overcoming Odds (00:16:22)
11. Overcoming Sickle Cell Challenges and Advocacy (00:27:06)
12. Future Plans For The Foundation (00:31:35)
13. The Everyday Scare (00:34:18)
14. Raising Sickle Cell Disease Awareness (00:39:15)
15. Kier’s Proposed Legislation (00:41:08)
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