Meet Kier Spates

We were lucky to catch up with Kier Spates recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kier, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I was born in 1978 with a chronic illness, but it wasn’t until I was 7 that I was diagnosed with sickle cell disease. My parents were understandably lost and didn’t quite know what to do. I still remember the moment a doctor told them I probably wouldn’t live past 11. It felt like such a heavy blow to our family. But against all odds, I made it to 15, graduated high school at 18, and even went off to college.

Throughout my journey, I encountered many doctors who dismissed my pain, labeling me as just a drug seeker. They would say I didn’t look sick, showing little empathy for what I was going through. This experience made me realize how vital it is to have support and understanding in tough times. That’s why I started the Kiers Hope Foundation. I wanted to create a space for people like me—a community where we could share our stories, find empathy, and support one another in our struggles.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Working on the Steve Harvey Morning Show isn’t just a job for me—it’s a true joy! Every morning, I get to help kickstart people’s days with a dose of inspiration, joy, and hope, and that’s an incredible feeling.

I feel the same way about my work with the Kier’s Hope Foundation, where we’re dedicated to making a difference in the fight against Sickle Cell Disease. This year is especially exciting for us as we celebrate a decade of our foundation’s efforts!

We’re gearing up for our 7th Annual Kier’s Hope 5K Run and Fun Walk in Dallas, along with our 2nd Annual event at the Battery in Atlanta. Both races are all about having fun while raising awareness and educating people about Sickle Cell Disease. Plus, the proceeds will support our Annual Christmas Programs in both cities, which is something we’re really passionate about.

If you’d like to learn more or get involved, check out our website at Kier’s Hope.org or email us at [email protected]. We’d love your support!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Let’s talk about a few key points when it comes to dealing with Sickle Cell Disease.

First off, it’s crucial not to shy away from understanding your enemy. Sickle Cell can be a sneaky foe—it doesn’t always show up every day, but when it does, it’s like those crescent-shaped red blood cells join forces with the regular ones and cause chaos. Now that I’ve gotten a better grasp on how this works, I feel more empowered in this fight. I know who I’m up against.

Next, let’s chat about attitude. I put this second, but honestly, it could easily be the first point. Finding joy in the journey is essential. I know I’m wonderful and I’m great, but I’m also human. I have my ups and downs just like everyone else. The key is to adjust my attitude. When I do that, it not only helps me but also puts me in a position to help others find their own joy.

Think about what makes companies thrive: a winning attitude. That’s exactly the mindset I need to adopt when tackling Sickle Cell Disease. It’s all about that positive perspective.

Lastly, let’s not forget the power of compassion. It’s one of the most important tools we have on this journey. I can relate to what you’re going through, even if we’ve never met. Our shared experiences can teach us so much. Plus, when we communicate openly with our doctors and our communities, we can learn even more and support each other along the way.

So, let’s embrace understanding, cultivate a positive attitude, and show compassion as we navigate this journey together.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

We’re always on the lookout for other agencies to team up with! And it’s not just about sickle cell disease—there’s so much more to consider. When we tackle sickle cell, we recognize that it impacts the body in various ways. That’s why we emphasize the importance of self-care, mental wellness, financial literacy, and a whole lot more. If you’re interested in collaborating or just want to learn more, feel free to reach out to us at KiersHope.org or drop us an email at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!

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Image Credits

For the Pictures with the Kiers Hope Background “Santos Paris”

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