Hello Jayla, welcome to the site. I hope you find a sense of belonging and happiness among our community here. Feel free to share your ideas by creating or adding to blogs and posting pictures.

Now if you are experiencing strange looks from your friends when telling them you have sickle cell, it might be due to ignorance about the disease. Plenty of people fear what they do not understand. I had people ask me if SCD is contagious and if those who have it can participate in everyday activities. Try to explain the condition to them and tell that you are not looking for pity but support. If this all fails then they may not be your true friends after-all ! I'm sorry you are going through this, hope it all works out.