Babies needing transfusions as part of their medical care should only receive blood from donors who have not been exposed to CMV. CMV (Cytomegalovirus) is a flu-like virus that most adults are exposed to at some point in their lives.
2 Donations
Heroes for Babies T-Shirt
3 Donations
$10 Gift Card
4+ Donations
Fleece Blanket Tote
How it works:
We will track your 2021 donations and send you updates throughout the year. Power Red donations will count as two donations. In January 2022, you'll receive communication with instructions on how to claim your gift.* Be sure your email address is correct in your redcrossblood.org profile.
Born at 28 weeks, Braden Healey was a preemie weighing just 3 pounds. He arrived by emergency cesarean section after a traumatic pregnancy. Following delivery, Braden immediately needed blood.
“He received blood from the Red Cross,” said Mike, Braden’s father. “I needed to pay it back with my own blood. I gave blood the next day and have done it 56 times since then.”
After becoming a donor, Mike found out he is Cytomegalovirus (CMV) negative. His blood can go to babies who are in the neonatal intensive care unit—just like Braden years ago. He shared, “I feel this is now my calling.”
Braden spent the first 49 days of his life in the NICU. But now, he’s a strong and healthy boy.
Premature babies all over the country need this very special type of blood. Thank you for being a loyal blood donor—your donation could help a patient just like Braden.