PHOTO: McCourty Twins Say Goodbye To Aunt Who Lost Battle With Sickle Cell Disease

Robert Alvarez

5 years ago at 12:04 pm ET

David Butler II - USA TODAY Sports

Over the weekend, Jason and Devin McCourty announced sad news that that their aunt, Winifred, passed away after a battle with sickle cell disease.

“She fought tirelessly with unwavering faith to live a full life even when doctors told her she wouldn’t live to see 35,” the twins wrote. “Her life is a true testament of defying the odds.”

The twins shared the news and a photo over their Twitter and Instagram accounts.

pic.twitter.com/Hlf8iOZPwa
— Devin&Jason McCourty (@McCourtyTwins) January 6, 2019

Winifred was the inspiration behind the “Tackle Sickle Cell” campaign.

The initiative was started during the brothers time at Rutgers University to raise awareness and money to benefit those affected.

View this post on Instagram

As many people know, the Tackle Sickle Cell Campaign began from watching our Aunt Winnie fight the sickle cell disease. She fought tirelessly with unwavering faith to live a full life even when doctors told her she wouldn’t live to see 35. Her life is a true testament of defying the odds. We are saddened to share she was called home Friday afternoon. As we reflect on her life, let us use her testimony as inspiration to never stop fighting. We thank everyone for their support, prayers, and thoughts during this difficult time. We will continue our work to bring awareness to this terrible disease.

A post shared by Jason+Devin McCourty (@mccourtytwins) on Jan 6, 2019 at 3:53pm PST