Kelly Bernard-Igwe was just a baby when she was diagnosed with sickle cell disease, a lifelong condition that would bring pain, complications and a stroke at just 4 years old. Kelly began receiving monthly blood transfusions throughout her childhood to avoid further complications, and later, red cell exchanges every 7-8 weeks. She has received thousands of units of blood over her lifetime. Thanks to generous blood donors, Kelly hasn’t just survived — she’s thrived. Today, she’s a wife, a nurse, and proudly Dr. Kelly Bernard-Igwe, CRNA, after earning her doctorate in nurse anesthesia. “I wouldn’t be alive without transfusions,” she said. “Once I receive the blood, I feel re-energized and rejuvenated. I call it ‘getting my refill.’” She’s not alone in her journey. More than 100,000 Americans live with sickle cell disease, many of whom rely on blood donations to manage pain and prevent life-threatening complications. “It is so important to donate blood if you're able,” Kelly said. “M...