Meela is a brave and bright 10-year-old with a heart full of courage and a smile that lights up every room she enters.
At just a year old, Meela was diagnosed with Von Willebrand Disease, a bleeding disorder that makes it difficult for her blood to clot properly. To Meela, it’s simply her “silly blood” — her sweet and innocent way of describing something that has been part of her life from the very beginning.
In 2019, at only four years old, it was found that Meela has a rare GATA1 gene mutation, which affects how her platelets function and adds to her bleeding complications. Through this discovery, doctors also connected the mutation to Diamond-Blackfan Anemia (DBA) — a rare and serious condition in which the bone marrow does not produce enough red blood cells.
Right now, Meela is considered a carrier, but DBA is deeply personal to her and her family. Her father, Arash, was born with DBA and underwent a life-saving bone marrow transplant at the age of 16, and her grandmother, Carol, is currently living with the condition and is transfusion dependent.
Despite everything she has faced — countless appointments, lab draws, and ongoing monitoring — Meela continues to meet each day with strength, laughter, and joy. She loves gymnastics and never lets her bleeding disorders define or limit her. Whether she’s practicing new skills or working hard at the gym, Meela shows incredible determination and bravery, proving that her "silly blood" will never stop her from doing what she loves.
Meela’s experiences have also inspired her biggest dream: to become a pediatric hematologist so she can help other kids with “silly blood” like hers. Her compassion and determination already reflect the difference she hopes to make one day.
Her resilience inspires everyone who knows her.
With that inspriation we not only honor Meela but also raise awareness for bleeding disorders.
We walk in hope — for better treatments, more research, and a brighter future for Meela and so many others affected by all bleeding disorders.
Please consider donating, walking with Meela’s Silly Blood Squad, or sharing Meela’s story. Every step and every dollar brings us closer to making a difference.
Thank you for your love and support — it truly means the world to Meela and our family.
