Meet Mia Robinson of Sickle Cell Awareness 365 in Southeast Atlanta- Browns Mill

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mia Robinson.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Mia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born with Sickle Cell Disease. Growing up, my childhood wasn’t normal. I couldn’t jump in a cold pool on a hot summer day due to the drastic changes in temperature. I remember playing basketball with my cousins one time and had to stay in the hospital due to overexertion. And climbing Stone Mountain as well as flying has also triggered a pain crisis due to the changing altitude and lack of oxygen. My left hip started to deteriorate when I was 16 due to the lack of circulation. I’ve had multiple surgeries including bilateral hip replacements at the age of 28. And I’ve had more hospitalizations than I care to admit.

I used to attend Camp New Hope, a camp for kids with Sickle Cell disease. When I got older, I became a counselor and currently attend as a creative arts instructor. When I maintained a regular 9-5, I would volunteer with CHOA and the Sickle Cell Foundation of GA sparingly. However, the number of hospitalizations increased overtime. In 2016, after a couple of stressful events that lead to a minor stroke, my doctor advised me to stop working. I saw this as a sign to make my health my first priority and to get back involved with the Sickle Cell community. I saw what was lacking and what I felt was needed in the community. So, I went to work. I used my free time to study myself, this disease, and how to fight it properly. And I used free resources to get more involved in the Sickle Cell community. Although my health is lacking, it’s much better than someone with a more severe type of Sickle Cell disease. So, I took it upon myself to go and advocate for those who have yet to find their voice and for those who are no longer here to use theirs.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, but it wasn’t absolutely bumpy either. Before I stopped working, I lost my car and had to move back home with my mother and niece due to the increasing hospitalizations, depleted sick leave, and blank checks. When I stopped working, I went without income for quite some time as I waited on some assistance. I had tons of ideas that I couldn’t implement due to lack of funds. I couldn’t attend some seminars and I became somewhat of a hermit. It was absolutely depressing as I felt stuck. However, this time allowed me to focus on myself and my health. I researched and experimented with new things that would improve my health and simply use social media to start my advocacy.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Sickle Cell Awareness 365 – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I’ve made a name for myself and my business through social media. When I attend Sickle Cell events, people know who I am and what I represent. Outside of the Sickle Cell community, I make people learn who I am and what I stand for.

Sickle Cell Awareness 365 takes a #NoDaysOff approach to advocating and educating the community. I use the resources I have to educate people. I advocate in the Lyft rides on the way to the Sickle Cell Clinic at Grady hospital and doctors appointments. I educate the nurses when I’m admitted into the hospital. I educate my other doctors who do not specialize in blood disorders because having Sickle Cell, you must see different specialists. The seminars I attend only add fuel to the advocacy fire and keeps me motivated. My best friend and business partner, Jennifer Callwood, help by using her resources. She enlisted her son’s high school band to also support us by incorporating Sickle Cell into their band routine.

While some Sickle Cell organizations cater to the children, we want to provide activities for the adults. We need support as well. We want to be able to gather around outside of visiting one another in the hospital or a mutual friends repast. We also want to spread positivity and hope because Sickle Cell can be such a downer, just like anything else.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We received our official 501(c)3 in July. I have made connections with companies that support Sickle Cell in order to get sponsorship and grants to implement the ideas my partner and I have been sitting on for years. We will have an Open Mic fundraiser on the 28th of September to bring awareness to the community. It is our annual event. We have so much in the works that we hope will not only impact the Sickle Cell community but also communities of people with other chronic illnesses.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sca365.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/sca365
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/SCA365
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/sca365

Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.