Petra is the founder of S.C.R.E.A.M [Sickle Cell Reach Equal Awareness Movement]: a not-for-profit collective dedicated to generating content specifically targeted toward raising awareness for Sickle Cell Disease.

Sickle Cell Disease is one of the most common genetic conditions in the UK, affecting predominantly the black community.

The collective seeks to raise the profile of the disease (underfunded and under-represented in the mainstream) by cultivating activities that foster a growing society where Sickle Cell is understood, aided and supported just like any other major chronic medical condition.

For Sickle Cell Warriors, 2020 marked the year of being seen. During the height of the pandemic , Sickle Cell was listed for the first time as a condition significant enough to safeguard, shield and take care of. This opened the doors for many Sickle Cell Warriors to receive the assistance they need. Many for the first time.

SCREAM decided to take advantage of this new found visibility and created merchandise and a campaign ‘Call Me By My Name’ as a cool way of starting a conversation to educate and inform. As Petra said, “The aim of this campaign was to unite them and show off their brand of ‘special’ rather than highlight their sickness or shortcomings. This is what I see when I think of my fellow Sickle Cell Warriors. Creativity, strength, an inward glow and all the potential in the world when supported the right way.”

S.C.R.E.A.M is currently in hiatus but Petra is still doing work on the ground and is also founder of new creative project Bovdicca.

MeWe Bursary Recipient