Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
“Without the blood transfusions, Emily will not survive. There is currently no cure [for Cooley’s Anemia] and Emily must receive blood transfusions every three to four weeks.”
Jennifer Rodgers, Emily Grace’s mother
Emily Grace is a resilient five-year-old battling Thalassemia Major or Cooley’s Anemia, a rare blood disorder that causes life-threatening anemia due to the body’s inability to produce normal red blood cells and a complete lack of beta protein in the iron.
When Emily was diagnosed with Cooley’s Anemia at two weeks old, her family learned firsthand how important blood donations could be. Regular blood transfusions have been significant in sustaining Emily’s life.
Emily, who is in kindergarten, enjoys playing on her tablet and with her dolls. With a love for princesses and all things Disney, her mother describes her as “the happiest child you’ll ever meet . . .most days.”
Blood Drive For Emily Grace
Since 2014, the Charlotte community has continued to honor Emily by rolling up a sleeve to give blood for patients in need. To date, the Rock Springs Free Will Baptist Church Blood Drive in Honor of Emily Grace Rodgers has collected over 1,145 pints of lifesaving blood.
“The blood drive in honor of Emily, as do all drives, help to ensure there is blood [available] for her to receive,” said Jennifer. “Will it be your donation that helps save Emily’s life?”
Donors of all blood types are needed to help ensure a sufficient supply for patients in need. With a shelf life of only 42 days, blood is perishable and can only be replenished by volunteer donors. Blood donations may help many patients in need, including accident victims, cancer patients and those undergoing surgery.
Those with types O, A negative and B negative blood are encouraged to make a Power Red donation at their next donation appointment. Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact.
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, from a computer or mobile device. To get started and learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.