The Inspirational Life of

Nya Joná Hodoh

Nya Joná Hodoh, was 18 and underwent open-heart surgery in on June 5, 2018 effort to prevent having another major pulmonary embolism-- this time in the right atrium of her heart-- while adjusting to freshman year in college. Ultimately, complications following the surgery would claim her life.

The youngest of three siblings graduated from Chelsea High School with an Advanced Diploma and college credits earned at The University of Alabama. After having secured early acceptance and an academic scholarship to Tuskegee University, Nya had plans of studying pre-med with plans to go all the way, and become a Hematologist.

She wanted to research alternative medicine in hopes to create a less invasive surgical approach for herself and others affected by Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and May Thurner Syndrome.

Nya’s diagnosis with DVT came as a result of surgical preparations to have the last corrective surgery on her once clubbed foot. And, in 2017, four new blood clots appeared, including two masses inside her heart’s right atrium.

Nya had Brains, beauty and a love for dance. Show Choir was a great outlet for Nya because all of her friends were involved, and it gave her a reason to dance. She liked to sing, yes, but she really loved to perform. Nya had aspirations of pledging Delta Sigma Theta, and becoming a member of the infamous ‘Golden Essence Dance Team’ at Tuskegee University.

Make no mistake about it, she loved the expression performance provided, but that did not mean that she needed to be the center of attention. Nya’s presence was said to have a quiet commanding strength.

Nya’s legacy lives on through her family and Joná’s Way, a non-profit organization formed to honor her memory and bring awareness to the dangers of blood clots and death by pulmonary embolism.