A Nigerian man, David Owoweye, has opened up about his battle with sickle cell disease as he turns 48
The Infection Prevention and Control Specialist took to X on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, to narrate how he defied the odds to reach 48 despite being told that he wouldn’t live beyond 18 years.
Owoeye, however, admitted that he is not out of danger, as he is surviving complications from the disorder, including chronic fatigue syndrome, silent stroke, and leg ulcer, as well as depression.
“I am 48 years old. As a sickle cell warrior, When I was young, I was told that I would not live beyond 18 years, But I surpassed 18 years. Later, I was told that I would not live beyond 21 years, But I surpassed 21 years. Later, I was told that I would not live beyond 25 years, But I surpassed 25 years. Now, I am 48 years old, I have lived beyond all those limitations, Because it is God that has the final say over every life, Because what God cannot do does not exist. Thank You, Jesus Christ,” he wrote.
“Though I am surviving with many complications of sickle cell disorder such as depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain syndrome, silent stroke, early spondylodegenerative changes of the vertebrae, sensorineural hearing loss, just got healed of the 3rd chronic leg ulcer that lasted for 20 months, muscular spasms of the back muscles, and others, I use my medication regularly, I adhere to my hospital visits as recommended, I trust God, I use my experience & knowledge to inform and inspire many to the glory of God. This is how I have survived and overcome by the grace of God.”
