'Sickle cell warriors' now have a sanctuary in Atlanta

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The Sickle Cell Sanctuary specializes in holistic wellness through exercise, massage, stress management and psychotherapy.

Credit: Contributed

Jauquil Manson endured tough experiences growing up with sickle cell disease.

"Very traumatizing, especially when you are in and out of the hospital," Manson said. "And when you are in pain, some doctors don’t believe you."

The hereditary red blood cell disease is often misdiagnosed and leaves patients in pain, Tabatha McGee, the executive director of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, said.

McGee calls Manson and others living with sickle cell "warriors."

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A group of people watch as Tabatha McGee cuts the ribbon to open the Sickle Cell Sanctuary in Atlanta June 18, 2024.

Credit: Contributed

The disease doesn't affect the masses, therefore it's overlooked and many people don't understand it, she said.

Their suffering is internal and often invalidated.

"They're told that they're not in pain when they in fact are in pain," McGee said. "They're told that they are drug seekers — you know, 'You're just looking for some opiates.'"

Now, Manson has the sanctuary she says she always needed: a safe space to connect, share experiences, and gain emotional support.

The Sickle Cell Sanctuary in Atlanta, which opened June 18, offers access to nutrition and exercise education, massage, psychotherapy and stress management for people living with the chronic illness.

"Our sickle cell warriors were very emotional to see the place and see how beautiful it was, because it's a spa like feeling for them," McGee said. "And it's a place that they can call home."