Honor Benjamin Schrieber’s memory by donating blood Feb. 13

 KIRKWOOD, Mo. – Benjamin “Pounder” Schrieber put up a strong fight against a rare disease called Fanconi Anemia before losing his life at just 17 months in 2009. One thing that helped him survive as long as he did was blood transfusions.

So for the second year in a row, Pounder’s parents, Ben and Beth, are holding a blood drive in honor of their late son. This year’s drive will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Feb. 13 in the gym at Concordia Lutheran Church, 505 South Kirkwood in Kirkwood (across from the Magic House).

Fanconi Anemia is an inherited type of anemia that leads to bone marrow failure. It is also a cancer-prone disease, affecting patients decades earlier than the general population.

“Pounder was never without platelets because of the American Red Cross and all of the generous donors,” Beth Schrieber said. “This drive is our way of paying it forward to honor him and help other people.”

To schedule an appointment, donors should call (314) 822-7772, ext. 128 or visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: Pounder.