The Journey of a Sickle Cell Disease Advocate

News Summary

Oluwatosin Adesoye, a medical doctor advocating for sickle cell disease awareness, celebrates her two-year anniversary as a columnist. Starting her journey in late 2022, Adesoye has written over 50 columns that highlight personal experiences and critical discussions about the disease, paving the way for community engagement and patient advocacy.

Oluwatosin Adesoye Celebrates Two Years as a Columnist: A Journey of Growth and Advocacy

From Social Media to a Columnist’s Desk

In the vast and beautiful world of storytelling, Oluwatosin Adesoye has carved out a remarkable niche for herself as a sickle cell disease columnist. Her journey began in late 2022, when she stumbled across a job posting on LinkedIn. Here was a golden opportunity— to write about sickle cell disease and connect with a community waiting to share their stories. Little did she know how this position would become a stepping stone towards her mission of advocacy.

As a medical doctor herself living with sickle cell disease, Adesoye brings an absolutely unique perspective to the table. Her experience is not just theoretical; it’s personal. Before joining as a columnist, she had already made a name for herself on social media, engaging her audience as “Dr. Tee” on Facebook. Those early days of storytelling paved the way for her transition to formal writing, demonstrating that sharing personal journeys can resonate deeply.

A Global Reach and a Personal Touch

One delightful aspect of her new role was discovering that the organization she would work for was hiring talent from around the world. This means voices from diverse backgrounds would be celebrated, giving her the chance to be part of something much bigger. After sending in her application, it wasn’t long before she received an invitation for an interview, which quickly turned into offers and onboarding processes that filled her with excitement.

Adesoye chose the catchy name “The Sickle Cell Crusader” for her column, and launched it with her inaugural entry on February 15, 2023. Over the last two years, she has penned an impressive number of more than 50 columns, sharing her insights, challenges, and hopeful stories about sickle cell disease.

Personal Growth and Affirmation

Reflecting on her journey, Adesoye expresses great pride in her evolution as a columnist. While initially reserved about sharing her personal experiences, she has significantly opened up over time. Discussions about her own diagnoses of cardiomegaly and hypothyroidism have helped her build confidence.

What sets her apart is not just her credentials, but her willingness to be vulnerable while tackling complex subjects. Feedback from her managers and fellow writers has been invaluable, pushing her to continually improve her work and expand her horizons. It’s like she’s embarked on a journey of self-discovery, learning more about herself and the impact she can have on others.

A Community in Support

Adesoye has been very transparent about the support that has fueled her growth. The encouragement from her column lead, the columns manager, and the director of community content has been instrumental. She also expresses heartfelt thanks to her copy editors, who help refine her stories, making them even more compelling. She acknowledges the broader community, recognizing the dedication from many who contribute to the rare disease ecosystem.

With every column she publishes, Adesoye tracks performance metrics, finding joy in consistently landing among the Top 10 most-read columns. This not only affirms her hard work but also underscores the community’s interest in the subjects she covers.

The Path Forward

As she celebrates this momentous two-year milestone, Adesoye eagerly looks forward to future growth both personally and professionally. She recognizes the crucial need for patient advocacy and emphasizes that healthcare professionals also need to embrace a deeper understanding of patient perspectives. Sickle cell disease is not just a medical condition; it impacts lives, dreams, and hopes.

While the platform she writes for doesn’t provide medical advice or treatment, Adesoye’s voice is a vital part of a growing narrative about understanding and compassion for those living with chronic illnesses. In an ever-evolving landscape, she remains committed to her role as an advocate and storyteller. Her journey is a reminder that every voice matters, especially those that shine a light on the experiences of living with a rare disease.

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Additional Resources

• My 2-Year Evolution as a Sickle Cell Disease Columnist
• Wikipedia: Sickle Cell Disease
• Here’s the Truth About Disability Employment
• Google Search: Sickle Cell Disease Advocacy
• Living with Sickle Cell Disease: A Never-Ending Battle