Gia Danninger was 5 when she was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a rare condition that stops the body from making enough new blood cells. After many blood transfusions, Gia received a lifesaving bone marrow transplant from a donor in Germany. Today, she is 11 and thriving in fifth grade, dancing competitively and loving every minute with her cats.
Gia’s story is why Versiti supports the science behind better outcomes. At the Versiti Blood Research Institute, Dr. Sid Rao’s research is working toward treatments and cures for conditions like aplastic anemia, so kids like Gia may one day live healthy lives without needing a bone marrow transplant. Your support helps make that progress possible.
Daniel Perelman was 18 years old when he donated his heart, liver and both kidneys following a fatal plane crash. Now, his family keeps his memory alive by encouraging others to donate blood, do good deeds for others, and consider becoming organ donors.
Read and Watch Daniel's Story
LiLi needed a blood transfusion every 14 to 21 days after her family adopted her from China. For three years, blood donors helped sustain her life, appointment by appointment, until a bone marrow transplant changed everything. Today, LiLi is thriving, and her family is grateful for the life-changing gifts that made her next chapter possible.
Read and Watch Lili's Story
Markesha Grayson rushed home when she learned her dad was in kidney failure. With a long wait ahead, she stepped forward to help. She chose to be his living donor and gave her father a kidney, a gift that meant more time together. Her story is a powerful reminder that organ donation can change a family’s future, and that more donors can mean better matches for patients.
Read Markeesha's Story