Tia Wilson and her family have been deeply affected by sickle cell disease. Not only does Tia have sickle cell, but her brother, cousin and aunt all died from complications from the disease.

When she was just 3 years old, Tia suffered a stroke. She was hospitalized and began getting blood and platelet transfusions every four weeks. In 2015, Tia got a bone marrow transplant from another of her brothers.

As she’s grown up, Tia’s health has improved and her positive spirit and the generosity of blood donors are keeping her strong. Tia is thankful and hopeful that Versiti investigators can find better treatments and ultimately a cure for sickle cell disease.

“My goal is to make a difference by showing families out there that we can beat this disease,” says Tia’s mom, Mickey.

People need people, make a difference in someone’s life by donating blood.

We must rely on each other for the gift of blood, and patients in your community rely on the generosity of Versiti’s blood donors to help. Please consider scheduling an appointment to donate. If this is your first time, donating blood is quick, easy and relatively painless. And, it is a great way to give back and help patients in your community.