We are parents whose journey began in Cameroon, where we first received a false genotype test result before marriage. Believing we were both clear, we later discovered the heartbreaking truth: both of our twins were diagnosed with sickle cell disease at birth in the United States.

Our challenges did not end there. Our older son was later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. In much of Africa, autism is still misunderstood — too often seen as witchcraft instead of a neurological condition. Families are left in silence, and children are denied the care they deserve. At the same time, sickle cell disease continues to claim young lives due to lack of awareness, limited resources, and misdiagnosis.

Out of these deeply personal experiences, we created the Mabo Foundation: a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness, fighting stigma, and supporting families impacted by both sickle cell disease and autism across Africa.