Yasmeen has received a blood transfusion every four weeks since she was 6 months old.

“Over the last 23 years, I have relied on hundreds of blood donors to keep me alive,” she said.

Yasmeen suffers from beta thalassemia major, also known as Cooley’s anemia. This inherited blood disorder causes her body to make less hemoglobin than normal and can result in severe, life-threatening anemia.

That’s where regular blood transfusions come in. Without them, Yasmeen could face serious health complications, including bone deformities or an enlarged spleen.

Yasmeen knows that so many people, including herself, depend on others to give blood so they can live. She is an advocate for blood donation, and she continually works to raise funds and awareness for disorders like hers.

“It is because of blood donors that I am able to live my dream of being an elementary school teacher and advocating for other people with thalassemia,” she said.

Yasmeen has big dreams for herself and her students. She doesn’t let her illness get in the way of her passion, but she’ll continue to need the support of strangers to reach her goals.

“I am forever in debt to blood donors for giving me the chance to live.”