Emma was born with TARS, a rare genetic disorder that required multiple blood transfusions. Now, her story is inspiring others to donate blood and help save lives.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A local family is sharing their daughter’s story ahead of the KIII “Be a Life-Saver” blood drive, highlighting how blood donations can help save lives.
3NEWS is partnering once again with the Coastal Bend Blood Center to host the annual blood drive this spring break, encouraging community members to donate.
For one Coastal Bend family, those donations have made a life-changing difference.
Emma was diagnosed with Thrombocytopenia Absent Radius (TARS) syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, when she was still in the womb. The condition affects the forearms due to the absence of the radius bone and can also cause dangerously low platelet counts.
Emma’s mother, Marla Hamann, said doctors initially gave a harsh outlook when she was pregnant with her daughter.
“They had said that obviously not make it full term,” Hamann said. “Then it was like, okay, if she does make it full term, she will only live to the age of two.”
Hamann said Emma’s platelet count was far below typical levels.
“When Emma was born her platelets were I believe 15,000 so normal platelets are at about 100,000 and up,” Hamann said.
At only eleven days old, Emma required blood transfusions to survive. In total, she has received five transfusions in her life.
“She has had a total of five transfusions her entire life, and that was her last one was July 31, 2021. So we’re about to hit five years, I’m so excited,” Hamann said.
Now four years old, Emma is thriving. She is learning to play sports like softball and soccer, plays the drums, and continues to inspire others in the community.
Her family has also turned their experience into advocacy, creating TARS Awareness Texas, an organization that aims to support people with disabilities and spread awareness about TARS.
Supporters say Emma’s determination continues to motivate others.
“Emma doesn’t let anything stop her,” said Bonnie Antrim, who works with Hamann to promote TARS awareness.
Community leaders say stories like Emma’s highlight the importance of blood donations.
“You just never know when you yourself may need that life saving blood or a loved one, and you would want that blood on the shelves to be there, ready to save your life,” said Ashley Ramirez with the Coastal Bend Blood Center.
The “Be a Life-Saver” blood drive will take place Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. outside the KIII studios.
Organizers say a single donation can save up to three lives, helping patients like Emma who rely on blood transfusions.
Community members can also pre-register online to skip the line at the event.