As Meela’s mom, I have the incredible privilege of watching one of the bravest little girls I know grow up right before my eyes.
Meela is 10 years old, bright and full of life, with a heart overflowing with courage and a smile that truly lights up every room she walks into. But her story has included more medical words and hospital visits than most children her age should ever have to know.
When Meela was just a year old, she was diagnosed with Von Willebrand Disease — a bleeding disorder that makes it difficult for her blood to clot properly. To her, it has always just been her “silly blood.” That’s the name she gave it as a toddler, and somehow that sweet, simple phrase has helped carry us through some very heavy moments.
In 2019, when she was only four, we learned that Meela also has a rare GATA1 gene mutation. This affects how her platelets work and adds to her bleeding challenges. Through that testing, doctors also connected it to Diamond-Blackfan Anemia (DBA), a rare blood condition where the body doesn’t make enough red blood cells.
Right now, Meela is considered a carrier. That means she does not have DBA, but it is still part of our family’s story. Her dad, Arash, was born with DBA and had a life-saving bone marrow transplant when he was 16 years old. Her grandmother, Carol, is living with DBA and receives regular blood transfusions. This condition is something our family understands in a very real and personal way.
As her mom, I’ve sat through countless appointments, lab draws, and long waits for results. I’ve watched her be incredibly brave through pokes and procedures that would make most adults anxious. And yet, somehow, she continues to choose joy.
She loves gymnastics and competes on her gymnastics team. She trains hard, shows up with determination, and pushes herself to learn new skills. She refuses to let her bleeding disorders define her or limit her. Every time she steps onto the mat or competes in a meet, she reminds me that her “silly blood” will never stop her from chasing what she loves.
What amazes me most is the dream that has grown from her journey. Meela wants to become a pediatric hematologist one day so she can help other children with “silly blood” just like hers. Even at 10 years old, her compassion runs deep. She doesn’t just want to understand her condition — she wants to help change the future for others.
Her resilience inspires everyone who knows her — especially me.
Through this fundraiser, we honor Meela’s strength while also raising awareness for bleeding disorders. We walk in hope — hope for better treatments, continued research, stronger support systems, and a brighter future for Meela and for every family living with these conditions.
So I ask you to please consider donating or walking with Meela’s Silly Blood Squad, and to simply share her story. Every step taken and every dollar given brings us closer to making a difference.
From the bottom of my mama heart — thank you. Your love, prayers, and support mean more to our family than words can truly express.