My Journey with Sickle Cell

Hi, I’m Kevenique — a designer, baker, believer, and proud sickle cell warrior. I’m also the heart behind Beyond the Pain, a blog born from both deep struggle and deeper faith.

For as long as I can remember, pain has been part of my life. But so has grace. So has strength. And so has God.

Living with sickle cell disease means navigating a life that is often unpredictable. I’ve had my share of hospital stays, ER visits, sleepless nights, and silent battles. But I’ve also experienced the kind of hope that only comes through faith, the kind of joy that sneaks in even on hard days, and the kind of purpose that transforms pain into testimony.

One verse I hold close to my heart is 2 Corinthians 12:9:“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”This verse reminds me that even when I bend under pressure, I will not break — because God is bigger than any disease I face.

In fact, when I’m in the hospital or receiving infusions, you’ll often find me sketching new dress ideas or browsing baking recipes. Sewing and baking are more than hobbies — they’re therapy. They give me something to look forward to in the midst of pain. Over time, my designs gained so much attention that I turned my passion into my profession.

Corporate America wasn’t built for people with chronic illnesses. The lack of understanding and flexibility made it difficult to balance work and wellness. So, I stepped out on faith and started my own business. Now, I get to create freely, set my own schedule, and build something meaningful for my future and my family — all while honoring my health.

Beyond the Pain is my offering to you — a space where I share not just my challenges, but also the beauty, creativity, and faith that keep me going. I’ll be posting wellness tips, reflections, updates in the sickle cell community, and encouragement for anyone facing hard days.

No matter who you are — a fellow warrior, a caregiver, or someone just trying to understand — you are welcome here. This is a space to feel seen, inspired, and reminded that pain is never the end of the story.

With love, faith, and hope,

Kevenique