Remembering Eric Kirkwood
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our beloved family member, friend, and fierce sickle cell advocate, Eric Kirkwood.
Eric was more than a warrior—he was a light in every room. His signature “Hey, how y’all doing?”, infectious laughter, and vast knowledge made every conversation richer. He was a teacher, a brother, and a source of joy and wisdom.
Though I stand on the banks of the Missouri My heart is floating down the river Nile.
AFRICA, my soul longs for you.
Gone are days when I stood on your shores
Gone are the days when your floods nourished my fields
Gone are the days of our great Kings.
AFRICA, your memory still beats in my heart Torn with strife of this new world.
AFRICA, my soul longs for you.
By Uriel Selassie [Eric Uriel Kirkwood]
Eric Uriel Kirkwood, history buff and lifelong learner was born to Noah Kirkwood and Virginia Owens Kirkwood on October 20, 1959, in Quindaro, Kansas.
As a strong advocate for sickle cell awareness, he spent a great deal of time researching Sickle Cell Disease. He wanted to help make life better for those with this unjust disease.
"Eric was the first person I had ever met who was older than I was and what impressed me so much was how Eric was not just surviving through sickle cell…he was thriving."
"Our worlds collided for a reason."
- Kevin Wake, President
