JonTavius Lake Honored as Black History Maker of Alabama
JonTavius Lake Honored as Black History Maker of Alabama
JonTavius Lake- Cured of Sickle Cell
92.9 WTUG, Praise 93.3, and 105.1 The Block in partnership with Robinson Automotive, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Delta Phi Lambda Chapter, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Eta Xi Omega Chapter, along with Lanier Automotive, Bryant Bank, and Dixie Motors in Northport, we are proud to salute JonTavius Lake.
JonTavius Lake is the first person in Alabama to be cured of Sickle Cell through a Haploidentical Bone Marrow Transplant. Born and raised in Tuscaloosa, he recalls the days of feeling pain as early as kindergarten and having to go to the Emergency Room. His mother would be right by his side, holding his hand and telling him everything would be alright.
After missing school, having to do schoolwork in hospital beds, and having his gallbladder removed, JonTavuis wasn't sure there would ever be an end to his pain from Sickle Cell. He ended up spending over a year of his life in hospitals at one point. He developed a called Power Up which is all about positivity.
Having a positive mindset can make such a huge difference in the situations that you are in. Any time he was in pain he'd say “man I gotta Power Up." As he entered high school, he created his own videography company called Power Up Vizuals.
That positive energy, along with faith in GOD, led to JonTavius becoming the First person in Alabama to get the Cure for Sickle Cell through Haploidentical Bone Marrow Transplant on 7/24/2020, his Father being his donor. After the transplant, JonTavius went from quiet to outspoken. He's now mentoring others and inspired to do more for his community. Promoting sickle cell Warriors to Power Up and bringing awareness to the Sickle Cell community as well as unknown issues that come with the disease. Even though he's cured, he tells everybody “ One a warrior, always a warrior."
To nominate another great Black History Maker of Alabama, click here.