WOODSTOWN, N.J.—Two weeks after birth, Nicholas Jannetti was diagnosed with Beta Thalessemia Major, also known as Cooley’s Anemia, a life threatening, genetic disorder that prevents patients’ red blood cells from properly developing and supplying the body with adequate oxygen.
Patients with Cooley’s Anemia must undergo a treatment plan that includes blood transfusions every two to four weeks along with an intensive drug therapy regimen, called chelation, to remove excess iron accumulation that accompanies frequent blood transfusions.
“Nicholas has been receiving blood since he was six weeks old,” shares Catherina Jannetti, Nicholas’ mother. “At 20 months of age, he currently receives transfusions every three to four weeks, depending on how quickly his hemoglobin drops.”
Cooley’s Anemia patients like Nicholas rely on blood donations for their survival. To help raise awareness, Nicholas’ family and friends are sponsoring an American Red Cross Blood Drive—Nicholas Gives Back—in his honor on Monday, May 1 from 2:30-7:30 p.m. at the Catholic Community of the Holy Spirit, 2 Lamplighter Drive, Woodstown.
To make an appointment to donate, call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit
redcrossblood.org, sponsor code Nicholas Gives Back.
“We’re holding this drive to raise awareness about the importance of blood donations for people like little Nicholas. Without blood donations, Nicholas wouldn’t be here today,” said Catherina. “Thank you for your generosity in supporting Nicholas’ effort to give back!”
Donate Blood in Honor of Nicholas Jannetti
Catholic Community of the Holy Spirit – Parish Center | 2 Lamplighter Drive | Woodstown, NJ
Monday, May 1 | 2:30-7:30 p.m.
Sponsor code: Nicholas Gives Back
How to donate blood
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 consent 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.
Blood donors can now 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 home or work computer prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit
redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
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 visit us on Twitter at
@RedCross.
