Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
LANCASTER, Pa. (March 15, 2019) — At age 5, Arianna Morales became a hero to four families. A March 23 American Red Cross memorial blood drive in Lancaster will continue her legacy.
Arianna was born with lobar holoprosencephaly, a brain disease that may have triggered a sudden illness and lack of oxygen to her brain on Nov. 20, 2015. Despite the efforts of a dedicated medical team, Arianna’s brain scans showed no activity.
From tragedy, hope was born, as Arianna’s family learned she was a viable organ donor. Arianna received blood transfusions to remain stable while waiting to undergo surgery to donate her organs. Ultimately, four pediatric patients received her organs, including multi-organ recipient 8-year old Kyree in Pittsburgh, with whom the Morales family keeps in touch.
“Arianna was able to save lives through organ donation, and we would like to continue saving lives in her memory,” shared Arianna’s mother Evelyn Morales.
A blood drive will be held in Arianna’s memory on Saturday, March 23 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Excentia Training Center, 617 N. Prince St. in Lancaster. The drive is open to the public.
To schedule an appointment to donate blood, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS and enter sponsor code Arianna.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
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 cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.