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Blood drives in Bellevue and at Offutt Air Force Base dedicated to local infant in January, February

Midwest

January 7, 2013
 

BELLEVUE, Neb. – Until Emily Stephenson was born on Feb. 3, 2012, her mother Amy Stephenson said she didn’t give much thought to donating blood. She simply thought it was a “nice thing to do.” That changed when Emily received her first blood transfusion just seven days after her birth. Today, Amy credits blood donations for saving her daughter’s life.

Emily was born with a genetic blood disorder called sphereocytosis, which destroys her red blood cells and causes severe anemia. To treat the anemia, she has received blood transfusions approximately every month of her short life.

Emily’s parents, Amy and Air Force Staff Sergeant Wayne Stephenson, hope that Emily’s story will inspire others to give.  A number of upcoming Bellevue and Offutt Air Force Base blood drives are being dedicated to Emily as a show of support.

Bellevue blood drives in honor of Emily Stephenson
Jan. 4 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the City of Bellevue, 210 W. Mission Ave.
Jan. 7 from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 104 Gavin Rd. North
Jan. 8 from 12:45 to 6:15 p.m. at Bellevue Christian Church, 1400 Harvell Dr.
Jan. 19 from 7 to 11:30 a.m. at St. James United Methodist Church, 1501 Franklin St.
Jan. 22 from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Calgary Christian Church, 10100 Cedar Island Rd.
Jan. 26 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Iglesia Ni Cristo Church of Christ, 1409 Betz Rd.

 

Offutt Air Force Base blood drives in honor of Emily Stephenson
Jan. 9 from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at US STRATCOM, 903 Sac Blvd.
Jan. 10 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Offutt Fire Station, 106 Peacekeeper Dr. *
Jan. 24 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Installation Deployment Readiness Cell, 106 Peacekeeper Dr. *
Feb. 1 from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Ehrling Berquist Clinic, 2501 Capehart Rd.
* Note: Military identification needed to attend this blood drive.

To make an appointment to give blood in Emily’s honor, call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org (search by sponsor code EMILY).

How to Donate Blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.  Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. 

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

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