Meet Meilin

Meilin is an active 13-year-old with a lot of interests. She loves cheerleading, gymnastics, theater and getting boba tea with her friends. But until recently, her health often kept her from enjoying her favorite activities. Meilin was born with beta thalassemia major, an inherited blood disorder in which the body doesn’t make enough hemoglobin. Adopted from China at 2 ½ years old by Mandy and Chris Wilson, she began receiving blood transfusions at Nationwide Children’s Hospital every three weeks. When they adopted her, Mandy and Chris assumed she would need life-long transfusions like her older siblings Kael and Moci, who were also born with beta thalassemia major.

But in the summer of 2025, Kael and Moci were among the first patients in the country to receive gene therapy for beta thalassemia. Their treatment took place at Nationwide Children’s, home of the Jerry R. Mendell Center for Gene Therapy and one of Ohio’s four qualified treatment centers to offer Casgevy, a one-time treatment that modifies a patient’s own cells. Nationwide Children’s has become a national leader in bringing innovative gene therapies to children with serious genetic diseases and giving families like the Wilsons access to life-altering treatments.

First, the siblings’ stem cells were collected. Then Kael and Moci received chemotherapy to clear the way for the edited cells. Later, their own cells, now modified to carry hemoglobin correctly, were infused back into their bodies. Meilin watched the process unfold and visited her siblings in the hospital. She saw Kael and Moci at their sickest. But she also saw the results of gene therapy. After this remarkable process, Kael and Moci have not needed blood transfusions at all.

In the summer of 2026, it was finally her turn. But although Meilin was mentally prepared, there were some physical challenges. Through it all, Meilin’s team calmly and efficiently coordinated a plan of care and supported the entire family.

Ultimately, the therapy worked. Meilin’s edited cells are making hemoglobin. She hasn’t needed a transfusion since her gene therapy. Her recovery marks the end of a chapter for the Wilson family. After 13 years of coming to the hospital every three weeks for blood transfusions, they’re done. It’s a little bittersweet; the Nationwide Children’s doctors, nurses and staff are like family to the Wilsons, and they are infinitely grateful for the care they’ve received.

Meilin will continue to have monthly check-ins with the Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Program as well as follow-up appointments with Hematology, Endocrinology, Neurology and Radiology. But she’s heading into her teen years with new freedom. Thanks to Nationwide Children’s and the gene therapy team, Meilin can spend less time in the hospital and more time thinking about her future.

To support more kids like Meilin and their families, give to Light Up the Lawn, Light Up a Life.