Jon’s AWSome, inspired by its creator Jonathan Olaleye, was created to show kids with sickle cell—and anyone facing setbacks—that anything is possible.

I was born with sickle cell anemia, and from a young age it challenged my ability to do what I loved most: play soccer. Despite the pain and limitations, I was determined to keep going and reach the highest level I could. Along the way, I faced major obstacles, including a TIA at 18, a stroke at 22, a bone marrow transplant at 21, and countless sickle cell crises and surgeries.

Still, I earned the opportunity to play collegiate soccer and became team captain my senior year. My journey doesn’t stop there; I aspire to keep playing and to make a lasting impact in the sickle cell and bone marrow transplant community. Above all, my goal is to inspire others and demonstrate resilience, passion, commitment, and love.