I met my now husband, back in 2004. I knew at that time he has an incurable disease that he was born with, and would impact him in different ways. At that time, I had never heard of Sickle Cell Anemia, and truly didn’t even begin to understand the true impact it could have on a person, and those that are close to them.
I remember that first fall/winter that we were together, and all of the pain crises that he experienced. From every day chronic pain, to deep joint pain, loss of oxygen in his blood cells, and even severe enough crises to send him to the hospital. He was a true fighter and always put on a brave face, even when being admitted to the hospital, sometimes for a week at a time.
In September of 2005 we had our first child, and again like clockwork as we entered in to that fall/winter time he experienced some of the worst pain. Each day his pain would be at a 10 or higher, yet he would push through to be able to stay home with our son while I worked. We would experience friends and family members who just didn’t understand the impact, and would always say “well you don’t look sick”.
As the years continued, we had some good times where the crises were less severe. Fast forward to 2015 when he experienced some of the worst times. He had at least 15-20 trips to the ER, and at least 5 of those times resulted in hospitalizations. He now has a wonderful primary doctor and a Sickle Cell specialist that he sees on a regular basis.
Although this does not cure his disease, we have found some ways to help at least try and minimize the crises and the pain. He is now working part time to help provide for his family, and puts his body through the ringer each day. I could not be prouder of him, and all that he does to make sure that his family is safe and secure.
I thought this tribute to him and all that he does, was fitting since September is Sickle Cell Awareness month. This is a disease that is not as well known, but can impact many, and you may not even know. Going in to this fall/winter, take the time to help those, as you may never know what each person is truly battling. Silent diseases are nothing to bat your eyes at, and many times impact more than just the individual that has the disease.
Thank you De’Angelo for all the sacrifices that you make. Thank you for making sure the boys and I are taken care of. You always put everything on the line, even on days when you may be in some of the worst pain ever. You are so kind, caring, and compassionate. I could not imagine navigating this crazy life we have built together. Here are to many more years together!
To learn more about Sickle Cell Anemia click HERE.
Hello! I am Angela, a 36 year old, full time working mom and wife. During the day I work my normal full time corporate gig, but I am also an independent Team Beachbody Coach. I have been on a path to really focus in on my health and nutrition a lot since March of this year, and have been so happy with my progress so far. I have two boys who will be 14 and 9 within the next few months. I also have a wonderful husband, who is absolutely so supportive of every thing I do, and in return I try to be the best I can be for him and our kiddos, since he battles an incurable disease, called Sickle Cell Anemia. We currently reside in Waukesha, and we have lived here our who lives, minus a small one year detour that took us to West Des Moines, IA. I grew up in Oconomowoc, moved to Milwaukee when I was 11 and lived there for 15 years, one year in Iowa, and now back in the lake country area ever since. We absolutely love the atmosphere and all the things to do in the area. It is such a wonderful place to raise kiddos. In my spare time I enjoy working out, spending time with my hubby and kiddos, and getting together with my family. I am looking forward to connecting with you all! // Facebook and/or Instagram
Hello! I am Angela, a 36 year old, full time working mom and wife. During the day I work my normal full time corporate gig, but I am also an independent Team Beachbody Coach. I have been on a path to really focus in on my health and nutrition a lot since March of this year, and have been so happy with my progress so far. I have two boys who will be 14 and 9 within the next few months. I also have a wonderful husband, who is absolutely so supportive of every thing I do, and in return I try to be the best I can be for him and our kiddos, since he battles an incurable disease, called Sickle Cell Anemia. We currently reside in Waukesha, and we have lived here our who lives, minus a small one year detour that took us to West Des Moines, IA. I grew up in Oconomowoc, moved to Milwaukee when I was 11 and lived there for 15 years, one year in Iowa, and now back in the lake country area ever since. We absolutely love the atmosphere and all the things to do in the area. It is such a wonderful place to raise kiddos. In my spare time I enjoy working out, spending time with my hubby and kiddos, and getting together with my family. I am looking forward to connecting with you all! // 
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