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Orlando, Florida
Orlando, Florida
Charlyce is an Orlando native and professional singer. Her music career began very early in life. The youngest of seven children, she would rehearse and perform with her mother and sisters at many events. During her sophomore year of high school, she was diagnosed with kidney failure and placed on dialysis. She was able to continue school during her illness and graduated in 1998.
While attending her freshman year at Valencia State College, she finally received the good news that a much needed kidney transplant was available. During the procedure, Charlyce needed several blood products. Only a year later, she learned she needed a total hip replacement due to the effects of her transplant medications. During her hip replacement, she received additional units of blood to combat anemia.
In 2003, she married the love of her life, Alonzo, and has continued to perform as a singer on a regular basis. She has shared the stage with performers like Patti Labelle, Kim Burrell, Terri McConnell, Luther Barnes, Darly Coley and Andre Darby. Charlyce knows first hand the importance of blood donation and is thankful to all those who have allowed her to live such a fulfilling life.
We featured Charlyce’s inspirational story in April 2015. Blood transfusions helped keep her strong through kidney failure, transplant, surgery and a brain hemorrhage. Charlyce celebrated her 41st birthday in October, and she is ready for new adventures in the new year.
She was recently placed back on the transplant list, and things are looking good for her to get another kidney transplant. She is working on a stage play about her life story, and she continues to create new music. Never one to slow down, Charlyce and her husband have even created their own barbecue sauce: Popeye BBQ sauce.