🌿 The Undefeated Warrior
A March Reflection on Advocacy, Education, and Faith
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A March Reflection on Advocacy, Education, and Faith 💕🌼
As we approach the end of March 2026, I’ll be the first to admit—I wasn’t feeling very proud of myself. My last update was at the end of February, and for a moment, I felt like I was falling behind. But as I look back at this month, I realize that while I might have been quiet on the blog, I have been incredibly loud in the community.
March has been a month of planting seeds, standing my ground, and remembering that even when a storm leaves things looking "demolished," if you are still standing, you have already won.
Advocacy in Action: A New Vision for Awareness
This month, I had some powerful meetings that remind me why Warriors Speak Out exists. I met with the team from The Butterfly Pig, an incredible organization that creates medical play toys and accessories to help children understand the machinery and devices they see in a hospital.
I also sat down with a representative from Hearts Connected to map out a truly exciting collaborative project. We are planning a joint initiative that combines special product bundles with a child life–authored educational guide designed specifically to help families navigate medical transitions. To ensure this reaches as many people as possible, we’ll be cross-posting blogs for maximum visibility.
We also discussed raising awareness during Juneteenth (World Sickle Cell Day) and finding ways to include Operation Snuggles in upcoming newsletters. One thing I want to make clear: Sickle Cell is not a "Black disease."
"Sickle Cell is not a "Black Disease."
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"Sickle Cell is not a "Black Disease." 〰️
It is a blood disorder. While it predominantly affects those of us with melanin, it is a global issue. We need to bring awareness to all communities so that everyone who can lend a hand or a resource knows how to help.
Expanding My Horizons: Sociology at Lamar University
In addition to my advocacy work, I’ve taken a new step in my personal and professional growth: I’ve started taking online classes for Sociology at Lamar University!
Being right here in Beaumont, it feels right to dive deeper into the study of society and community. I've just finished my first week of HIST 1301 and CRIJ 2313, and I am already finding the material so interesting. Sociology and Criminal Justice are so relevant to what I do—understanding the "why" behind our social and legal structures helps me become a better advocate.
The Challenge of Balance: Post-Spring Break Reality
I’ll be honest with you all—finding balance this week has been a challenge. Spring break has ended, and we are diving straight into the "testing season" for my kids. Between making sure they are prepared and focused for their exams and keeping up with my own new coursework, the juggle is real. I’m reminded that even in the busy-ness, we have to find those moments of quiet to breathe.
The Power of Mentorship: I'M READY 2026
One of the highlights of my month has been starting a mentorship through the Cayenne Wellness Center. I am specifically serving as a mentor in their Sickle Cell Disease Emerging Adults Transition Program: I’M READY 2026.
I am helping fellow Warriors navigate the transition into adulthood—helping them find their voice, understand their limits, and realize that they can do what they want to do. Through I'M READY, I am here to help the next generation of Warriors stand tall and be understood.
Standing My Ground in the Medical Space
Living in Beaumont for three years now, I’ve heard many stories about local healthcare. I’ve learned that I have to keep my eyes open and my mouth not shut.
During my iron infusions this month, the doctors continued to push blood transfusions on me. As I’ve shared before, that isn't the only option, and for my specific case, it isn't the right one. I had to be my own advocate. We have to speak up for ourselves in every space—medical, professional, and personal.
Community, Faith, and the Storm
I also had the joy of working as a co-chair for my church’s Easter Bash. It was a beautiful way to dig into community outreach and see the beauty in coming together.
Through it all—managing the house while my husband is away OTR and still navigating life without a car—I am resting in God’s grace. His mercies are new every morning. Even in the mess, He helps us get through it. I am welcoming new blessings, big and small, as we move into April.
Warrior Highlights & Support
Tune In: Check out my recent podcast interview with Nick on the Purple Top Podcast!
Shop & Support: Visit the Warrior Store at honeycombhealth.store to grab your advocacy gear.
Give: My GoFundMe link is still in my TikTok bio for those who feel led to help with our transportation needs.
We are conquerors. We are here for a purpose. And most importantly, we are still standing.
In Solidarity,
Whitney Lyn
Founder, warriorsspeakout.org
