The Power and Perseverance of Tymia Green

At 18 years old, Tymia Green has already accomplished remarkable feats. She’s graced fashion runways as a teen model, clinched the title of Miss South Carolina Pre-Teen, lobbied Congress on behalf of Medicaid on Capitol Hill, served as an ambassador for the American Red Cross and Medical University of South Carolina Children’s Hospital, and recently graduated high school – all while courageously battling sickle cell disease.

“I love using my voice for the people who are not heard and showing the world what you can do, even with a disability,” said Tymia, who was diagnosed with sickle cell disease at three weeks old.

Complications of Sickle Cell Disease

The most common genetic blood disease in the U.S., sickle cell disease distorts soft, round blood cells and turns them hard and crescent-shaped, which can cause extreme pain and life-threatening complications – a harsh reality Tymia knows all too well.

At one years old, she suffered from splenic sequestration when her sickled red blood cells became trapped in her spleen, blocking blood flow and causing her spleen to swell.

“I was too small in size for my age to go through surgery, so I had to have a year’s worth of blood transfusions, once a month, until I turned two years old,” said Tymia.

The monthly red blood cell exchanges Tymia received as a toddler, is a non-surgical therapy that removes abnormal red blood cells and replaces them with healthy ones obtained from blood donors.

Later, Tymia developed avascular necrosis of her hip and knee. This affects up to 10% of patients living with sickle cell disease and occurs when bone tissue dies as a result of blocked blood flow to the bones.

In addition to secondary complications, there have been numerous times Tymia has been hospitalized due to sickle cell pain crises and dangerously low hemoglobin levels.

“I could barely move, walk or stand up straight,” said Tymia. “I would have to have a blood transfusion, sometimes even two, to increase my hemoglobin and allow me not to be so lethargic.”

And then there was the time when the blood supply was low, and the blood Tymia desperately needed was not on the hospital shelves.

“It was one of the most scariest times in my life because I thought that I would not make it,” said Tymia. “My hemoglobin dropped to 5.9 and the blood that I needed was not available.”

Once a compatible blood unit was found, it was immediately transported from another state to transfuse to Tymia 10 hours later.

To reduce the risk of transfusion complications, blood transfused to patients with sickle cell disease must be closely matched. Since these patients are three times more likely to find a compatible blood match from blood donors who are Black compared to donors who are not Black or African American, blood donors of all races and ethnicities are needed to help ensure a diverse blood supply to support the blood transfusion needs of patients.

“When I receive a blood transfusion, it makes me feel rejuvenated and makes me feel as though I am back to myself,” said Tymia who has received 130 blood transfusions to date. “Even though I may be in the hospital, I have a little piece of my life back.”

Overcoming the Unpredictability of Sickle Cell

As Tymia has navigated the challenges of adolescence on her path to adulthood, those little pieces of life have meant so much while facing the unpredictability of sickle cell disease. During her final semester of high school, before celebrating her 18^th birthday, she was hospitalized for a month.

“I got out [of the hospital] on my birthday, went in a couple of days later, and had to stay [for the rest of the] month,” said Tymia. “I am better and grateful that I at least got to get out on my birthday. The simple enjoyments and things that a person without sickle cell can do, I am limited in my ability to enjoy.”

While most teen girls are concerned with managing the pain of wearing heels the day of prom, teens with sickle cell disease can spend weeks or days hydrating and managing stressors to avoid the unpredictability of a sickle cell pain crisis, which often comes without a warning or end date.

Although Tymia was unable to attend her junior prom, she was able to make long-lasting memories with friends at her senior prom.

“It was amazing,” shared Tymia. “I was super blessed as I was not sick and was able to enjoy myself like a normal teenager…even though I started hurting three days after.” 

Tymia managed to recuperate and finish her senior year strong. And, in the words of her favorite music artist Jekalyn Carr, whose songs uplift Tymia in her darkest moments, “Greater is coming”. This fall, Tymia will begin her freshman year of college with a goal of obtaining her bachelor’s degree in psychology and continuing to advocate for others like her.

“I wish more people knew about and understood the pain that sickle cell patients go through daily,” said Tymia. "Not just the physical pain, but also the mental, emotional, and psychological pain...and understanding how to help, even if it's just a small gesture or understanding what day-to-day life is like."

What You Can Do

June 19 is World Sickle Cell Day – a time to increase awareness, understanding and support for individuals living with the disease. Lifesaving blood products are vital to those facing chronic conditions that require continuous care, like sickle cell disease. One blood donation can help a patient persevere in the pursuit of their goals.

For those on the fence about giving blood, Tymia shares “just giving a moment of your time can help save a life near or far and help them to be able to be themselves again.”

To help, schedule an appointment to give blood by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/espanol, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Those who come to give June 10-30, 2024, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice.