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There is, however, one major difference between Illma and the rest of her family and friends. I have hypogammaglobulinemia, said Ilma. Hypogammaglobulinemia is an immune disorder that prevents Ilma s body from properly fighting infections. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, Ilma couldn t be around many people, had to homeschool during winter months, and took extra precautions to prevent getting sick. In fact, Illma hasn t attended in-person school in nearly a year. Patients with this condition can die from common infections, in addition to facing an increased risk for leukemia. I try to be brave, said Ilma. One thing that gives Ilma a relatively-normal lifestyle is the plasma she receives from the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. She requires a transfusion every other week, which she administers to herself. ....