Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr Alexia Mays.
Hi Dr Alexia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Dr. Alexia Mays is an epidemiologist and research scientist who focuses her time on sickle cell awareness, youth grief and trauma, gene therapy, clinical research, blood donation promotion, equality in healthcare, policy, advocacy, political engagement and most importantly ,working with colleagues, legislators, organizations and associations to develop and execute policies to assist those in our most vulnerable communities.
A Cancer survivor and Sickle Cell Warrior, Alexia suffered the loss of her entire family at a very young age.
She used her pain and turned it into purpose.
HerStory is one of overcoming, and reminds us that we can all overcome with Faith, Strength and Determination.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Sickle Cell is the oldest genetic disease in the nation, but remains the least funded. Due to the stigma on sickle cell patients, healthcare is biased towards warriors. It has been an uphill battle to educate the community, clear up the myths and fight the bias warriors and their families face. There is never a day off in this fight, and as a warrior myself, pain is a part of the struggle, and remaining focused thru the trauma of witnessing pain, sickness and death among sickle cell patients can be overwhelming.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
When I was a young girl, battling sickle cell disease and the loss of my family, I always knew that I wanted a career in healthcare. What I didn’t know as a child is that in life, there is no clear path. I learned the bureaucracy and red tape that went into finding care for patients. I learned that politics and legislation ruled everything in policy. I started working with legislators and candidates to develop policy and plans for those in the most vulnerable communities, using my medical experience, and community engagement .
It wasn’t long before I realized that in order to make change, sometimes you have to create that change. So, I started an outreach firm that developed research, polling and strategy to assist candidates, initiatives and policies. I began traveling, addressing schools, organizations, ministry, etc etc to educate on sickle cell, grief and trauma and black healthcare. I started the May5Foundation, a private family foundation that honors my deceased Mother, Father and 3 brothers and serves communities across the Southern U. S.
Because of my journey of loss, I’ve never been afraid to stand alone and fight for what is right, even if I’m the only one standing.
What matters most to you?
Throughout my life I’ve learned to make the days count, not to count the days. Giving back is what matters to me. To whom much is given, much is required. According to doctors, I wasn’t supposed to live past 13, and I’m still here, alive and thriving, to that I must give God all honor and praise.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mays5foundation.com
- Instagram: Mays5legacy
- Facebook: May5foundation
- Twitter: May5foundation
