Lifesaving blood and the “full-circle” moment for a young Mainer dedicating her life to helping those who continue to help her survive
By Jennifer Costa, regional communications director Jade and Mandy Howard “I live with my sister. She's my best friend and my biggest cheerleader.” At 23 and 21, Jade Howard and her sister, Mandy, are pretty much inseparable. Two years ago, the pair moved from Oregon in search of the “best little big city” and they agreed to give Portland, Maine, a shot. Jade says she and Mandy have loved exploring the Pine Tree State, hiking and checking out the vast variety of local events. “We do absolutely everything together,” Jade says. There’s one more thing this sister team tackles together… “She takes me to all my appointments and comes in with me for every blood transfusion,” Jade explains. Jade lives with beta thalassemia intermedia – a genetic, inherited blood disorder. She was diagnosed at just four years old. “Originally, they thought it was leukemia because my numbers were so wonky,” Jade says. Beta thalassemia reduces the body’s ability to produce normal adult hemoglobi...
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