“We Are Soldiers, We Choose to Fight”! Samira Sanusi Launches Sickle Cell Anaemia Inspired Book – “S is for Survivor”

Posted on Friday, May 16th, 2014 at 9:00 AM

Author Samira Haruna Sanusi has launched her new book – ‘S is for Samira‘ which is based on Sickle Cell Anaemia. The book centers on Samira recounting her experiences with Sickle Cell Anaemia and her journey to the cure.

The intimate gathering at the Peniel Apartments in Abuja, had a high table with several people who have influenced Samira’s life in one way or the other like Alhaji Nu’uman Danbatta. The book was reviewed by Victor Anoliefe and stated that the S is for Survivor book paints a portrait of a “father who spent almost all his savings, a brother who allowed his bone marrow to be harvested, and a step-mother who defied the stereotype of an evil stepmother.”

Speaking on her book, Samira stated that “My book is a messenger of hope. When you read my book…most of all you will realize the power of God”. In her speech, Samira noted that she found a cure after at least 10 doctors gave upon her.

Samira Haruna Sanusi

Mustapha Gwary & Ahmad Abba Yusuf

Several members of the sickle cell community came out to support Samira’s book and foundation. Mohammed Nura (one of the patients), who came directly from the hospital to show his support, gave a stirring speech on Samira and his experience with Sickle Cell. “Sickle cell is my blessing and my curse,” he said. He showed the same resilience that underlies Samira’s story, when he spoke the sentence that perhaps became the tagline of the night: “We are soldiers, we choose to fight.” And after sharing some of his tales from the battle field, Mohammed looked to the future: “I’ve learned to withstand the pain, but what about the 2 year old child that can’t tell his mother his eyes and arms are aching?” he urged.

Muhammad Nura Abdullahi

After the launch, Samira shared her vision for the future – A Sickle Cell free generation of Nigerians. With their Samira Sanusi Sickle Cell Foundation (SSSCF) they aim to make bone marrow transplants accessible to the average Nigerian and to advocate for genotype testing and awareness to stop bringing Sickle Cell babies into the world.

See more photos from the event.

Samira Haruna Sanusi getting interviewed by Daily Trust

Hajiya Badiya Magaji Inuwa (President of Sickle Cell Patient Health Promotion Center, Kaduna)

Hadiza Raji & Maryam Sarki Ibrahim

Dr. Haroun Usman Sanusi

Victor Anoliefe (President of Abuja Literary Society) giving a book review

Samira Haruna Sanusi, Dr. Kolapo Akinyemi, Alhaji Nu’uman Danbatta, Dr. Omar Faruk Ibrahim & Mr.Victor Anoliefe (President of the Abuja Literary Society)

Alhaji Nu’uman Danbatta (The chairman ), Hajiya Ammuna Lawan Ali (The Mother of the day) & Habibah Haruna Sanusi

Hajiya Ammuna Lawan Ali

Najib Maiwada & the Author

Maaruf Sanusi

Zainab, Muhammad Sani and Maaruf Sanusi

Rahma Aliu, Amina Abdulhamid & Blessing Omakwu

Faiz Kabir & Muhammad Tijjani Ibrahim

Amina Abdulrahman

Abubakar Ibrahim Bindawa

Maryam Sarki Ibrahim, Samira Haruna Sanusi & Fatima Saadina Dantata

Alhaji Nu’uman Danbatta

Kamal Idris Rufai, Habibah Sanusi & Khadijah Sanusi

Amina Abdulrahman, Habibah Sanusi & Khadijah Sanusi

To purchase the book please visit Salamander Cafe, Bujumbura Street off Libreville Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.
For more information on the SSSC Foundation, please send an email to SSSCfoundation@gmail.com | Follow them on Twitter: @SSSCfoundation or @Saamira_S
_____________________________________________________________________