On April 19, 2019, Eric Logan, 29, woke up around 5:30am to find his entire left side weak and numb. He could barely speak. He had severe migraine pain, dizziness and was unsteady on his feet. I am having a stroke! He thought with alarm. Against all odds, he was able to get himself off to the Emergency Room at the University of Illinois Medical Center.
He was quickly attended to at the hospital. It was not exactly stroke, but the patient was scared to hell, to use an Americanism.
Early in life, Logan realized he was gay, a fact he kept from his family members. His friends knew but had no problem submitting to an unspoken vow of secrecy. With their help, Logan was able to keep up the charade of being heterosexual.
Logan was diagnosed with sickle cell anaemia at 3 months and has had a life fairly like that of many- most – with SCD: exchange blood transfusion, pain and serial hospitalization.
As an adult, the former healthcare provider who retired early due to SCD has become a sickle cell advocate of repute in his locality.
As an adult, the former healthcare provider who retired early due to SCD has become a sickle cell awareness advocate of some standing in his locality.
‘Being gay has not impacted negatively on my life,’ he told Sickle Cell News, ‘indeed it has definitely enriched my life.’
For more on Eric Logan’s SCD journey and advocacy, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RouPuT0kn5A