Posted By: Rachael D.

When I first heard Gigi Felix’s story, I honestly didn’t realize just how serious it was. At first, I thought she simply needed a blood donation like many other patients. But after reading more about her situation, I realized this is much more complicated than that.

Gigi has sickle cell disease, and because she’s had so many blood transfusions throughout her life, her body has developed antibodies that make it extremely difficult to find blood she can safely receive. That means doctors can’t just give her any blood. They have to find blood that matches her very specific blood markers, and that’s incredibly rare.

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A race against time is underway to save the life of 18-year-old Gigi Felix, who is battling an aggressive form of sickle cell disease. Doctors say she urgently needs 50 units of extremely rare, specially matched blood before they can safely move forward with a bone marrow transplant—her best chance at a cure. “We need the African American and Afro-Caribbean community to step up to help save Gigi’s life,” said Dr. David Crawford, a pediatric hematologist/oncologist.

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From what I’ve read, doctors are trying to find 50 units of specially matched blood before she can undergo a bone marrow transplant. The amazing part is that her brother is already a bone marrow match, which is something many families never get. But even with that blessing, the transplant can’t safely move forward unless they have enough compatible blood ready.

That’s what makes this situation so heartbreaking. Without those blood units, the transplant could become much more dangerous. During and after a bone marrow transplant, patients often need blood transfusions because their body temporarily loses the ability to make healthy blood cells. If compatible blood isn’t available when it’s needed, it can lead to serious, life-threatening complications.

This story also made me think about how important blood donation really is. Most of us never think about it until someone we love is the one waiting for a donor. In Gigi’s case, doctors have explained that finding a compatible donor is especially difficult because of the unique blood characteristics they’re looking for. That’s why they’re asking people—especially African American donors—to come forward and see if they’re a match.

I can’t imagine what Gigi and her family are going through right now. To know there’s a treatment that could give you a better future, but first you have to wait and hope enough people step up to donate, has to be emotionally exhausting.

Stories like this remind me that blood isn’t something hospitals can manufacture. It has to come from real people who are willing to help complete strangers.

I’m praying Gigi gets every unit she needs and that her transplant is successful. Hopefully, her story also encourages more people to donate blood because you never know whose life you could be saving.