Meet Cynthia Diane Gipson | Mother and Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cynthia Diane Gipson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cynthia Diane, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
I am the mother of a son, Christopher David Gipson who was a sickle cell warrior. Christopher succumbed to his disease on April 3, 2008. He had stroke at the age of 8 and a hemorrhagic stroke at age 21. As a parent of a child with a disability it is important for him to have faith, belief in God’s teaching, and realize that he is a child of God and as God’s creation he is good. Christopher’s disabilities included – sickle cell disease, moya-moya disease, aphasia, seizure disorder, learning disabilities, and physical disabilities. As a young child he was exposed to God’s teachings, he was told about his illness to his understanding, he was exposed to an educational, cultural, and moral lifestyle. He was the product of parents that instilled the importance of education, humility, creativity, risk-taking, loving self and others. These qualities were beneficial to him after he suffered a stroke at the age of eight that altered his life course.
As a parent it was important to listen to and talk to my son. Let him know there are less harsh consequences when you tell the truth. I let my son know that my love for him was unconditional and that I would be there to support and provide guidance throughout his life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an advocate for persons living with sickle cell disease and their disabilities because society needs to know the effect of this dreadful disease. I am proud to be able to carry on the legacy of my son who lived with the disease for 21 years. Awareness, education, and advocacy about the disease is necessary so people living with the disease will no longer be stigmatized by society. My journey has it challenges because my son is deceased and life without him is different. However, I try to be the voice and provide support to those living with sickle cell just as I provided the voice and support to my son.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in an area that is local to Annapolis, Baltimore, Washington, DC., Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. There is a variety of culture, sports, beaches, entertainment, culinary experiences, faith-based places, museums, HBCUs and other colleges/universities, historical sites, etc.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate my Shoutout to my son, Christopher David Gipson. It was Christophers’ faith, courage, tenacity, and love that motivated me to be the person I am today. I wanted him to have the best life possible because the moya-moya disease (rare disease – capillaries only was providing blood to the left hemisphere of his brain) and seizure disorder caused his life to be imperiled daily. I had to stop being a shy, introvert to be an effective advocate for my son. I became educated about his illnesses and involved in programs, events, and activities.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-belt-gipson-5944102b

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cynthia.beltgipson/ / Taking Care of Myself – https://www.facebook.com/caregiversupportcdg

Image Credits
Not applicable