Terran Wright’s journey to bring awareness to sickle cell disease
Published:Friday | September 26, 2025 | 12:05 AM
TERRAN WRIGHT is one of over 20 million people worldwide who live with sickle cell disease (SCD). He has been using triathlon as the vehicle to inspire people to see adversity as opportunity. On this journey, he has been raising awareness of SCD and advocating for persons living with the condition.
Sickle cell disease is a hereditary disease of the red blood cells (RBC) that affects over 20 million people worldwide. RBCs are usually round and flexible and transport oxygen through the body.
For persons living with SCD, under certain conditions, these red blood cells become an unusual sickle shape. This sometimes causes blockages of blood vessels and damage to vessel walls. Sickled cells break down more quickly than normal RBCs, causing anaemia. This can adversely affect all the systems of the body, as they are dependent on blood supply.
SCD affects persons of all ethnicities but is most common in people of African descent. Common complications include bone pain, acute chest syndrome, stroke, leg ulcers and retinopathy (disease of the retina). The impact of SCD on affected persons varies, with some persons being severely impacted and others being able to live well. The average lifespan of persons with SCD is approximately 10 years fewer than persons who are unaffected.
As part of his efforts to raise awareness around sickle cell disease, Wright will be part of a relay team participating in the Ironman 70.3 triathlon in Augusta, Georgia, on September 28. Having completed Ironman 70.3 North Carolina, this event will be the second such event in furtherance of his purpose.
An Ironman Triathlon is one of a series of long-distance triathlon races organised by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC). The 70.3 version consists of a 1.2-mile (2.0-km) swim, a 56-mile (90.1-km) bicycle ride, and a 13.1-mile (21.1-km) run (half-marathon).
“Though faced with a condition that limits persons in significant ways, it does not limit my ability to live, thrive and give. I have been immensely blessed and have decided to share my story by participating and, ultimately, completing Ironman 70.3 events across the globe,” Wright said.
“An Ironman 70.3 presents a degree of difficulty which for many may seem insurmountable. A multi-discipline sport that allows participants to compete against themselves. I view it as analogous to life and is a representation of how I live,” he added.
Wright said he is travelling from Jamaica to the United States for this event to raise awareness and show other persons living with sickle cell that they can do this. He has launched a GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-terrans-journey-sickle-cell-triumph?utm_....
“With your support through the link above, you will be empowering the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia and the Sickle Cell Support Foundation of Jamaica to continue their vital work in improving the lives of those living with sickle cell disease,” Wright said.
“Your donation helps provide access to critical care, support services, education and advocacy, while ensuring that individuals and families affected by this condition are not left to face it alone. Every contribution makes a difference in sustaining these efforts, offering hope, and helping to build stronger, healthier communities,” he said.