Chozen Frozens and More owner Takeia Dixon built her business out of both love and necessity. As the mother of two daughters living with sickle cell disease, Takeia’s life revolves around their care. With hospital visits often unpredictable, holding down a traditional nine-to-five job became impossible. So, she built her own path.

“I never knew when my girls would be in and out of the hospital,” Takeia says. “I needed something flexible, something that would allow me to still be there for them. Opening my own shop was the answer.”

Ultimately, Takeia was on a mission to bring awareness to sickle cell disease and build a supportive community for others affected by it.

Last month, Takeia hosted the first annual Sickle Cell Awareness Event at Mount Zion Church in Wildwood. The event, held to bring more awareness to residents in Sumter and Lake counties, drew community members, families and supporters together for a day of education and encouragement.

“We would like to thank our community for coming out and supporting us,” Takeia says. “It was a great time. Finding out that so many people have sickle cell really touched my heart. I feel like my mission was accomplished. We are not alone.”

Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder that affects the shape and function of red blood cells. Instead of being round and flexible, the cells become stiff and shaped like a crescent or “sickle.” This abnormal shape can cause blockages in blood flow, leading to severe pain, anemia, infections, and organ damage. While treatments can help manage symptoms, there is currently no universal cure.

Takeia plans to continue building on that mission by expanding Chozen Frozens and More into a space that not only serves sweet treats but also offers opportunities for others living with sickle cell.

“My goal is to create jobs for Sickle Cell Warriors who may have faced hardships in life,” she says.

Now operating as a mobile business, Chozen Frozens and More travels to local events, with plans for a grand opening of its new ice cream trailer next year.

Though both of Dixon’s daughters continue to undergo monthly blood transfusions, she remains hopeful and steadfast.

“I was hoping things would get easier,” she says. “But even though they still need the transfusions, I’m grateful for the chance to be with them and to make a difference for others.”

Photos provided by Takeia Dixon