JaWuan Lee Matthews was affectionately known as “Jew Jew” to his family and friends. To the culinary world he was known as “Chef JaWeezy”.  JaWuan was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease when he was only 18 months old. As a child JaWuan enjoyed spending his summers attending the Sickle Cell camps and meeting other amazing sickle cell warriors. In his 33 years of life he accomplished things doctors said he never would. He graduated from Culinary School, married his best friend, Veronica Torres-Matthews, traveled to places on his bucket list and brought many people together through his food and passion for cooking. JaWuan lived life to the fullest and never allowed his illness to slow him down. He pushed through every Sickle Cell crisis like a soldier at war. Amidst his battle, he continued to encourage those he loved to not give up and not let life get the best of them. Tomorrow is not promised, but when tomorrow comes, it is a new day to give everything you got!  He was an avid Sickle Cell advocate and was always candid about sharing his experience with friends, family, the medical community and social media. JaWuan was a walking testimony of what God can and will do.
 
I AM A WARRIOR
By Nana Kofi Acheamfour and Kerry Lewis
 
I AM A WARRIOR
The road to success may be rough,
But I will never fall.
For every situation, I WILL stand tall.
Crisis and disappointment will not discourage me,
at all.
 
I AM A WARRIOR
I may stumble along the way,
But in myself I shall always believe,
I will not let the pain and fatigue
Stand in the way of all that I can achieve
 
I AM A WARRIOR
The battle chose me,
But it is not Mine.
With my Savior and family beside me
I will continuously shine
 
I AM A WARRIOR
Today, I may be down and in pain,
But know that tomorrow I shall rise again.
I may sometimes have weaker feet,
but I will never ever retreat.
With courage and determination,
I will reach my destination
Because…… I AM A WARRIOR!
 
The War is over, Rest Well Sickle Cell Warrior!
                         
In lieu of flowers, the family ask that you make a donation to the Sickle Cell Foundation on behalf of JaWuan Matthews. 
Thank you in advance for your contributions.