Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
MAPLE GROVE, Minn. — Jackson Sadlowe is like many 6-year-old boys. He loves his family and everything Star Wars. But, unlike other young boys his age, Jackson was diagnosed with Fanconi anemia in March, a rare genetic condition that caused him to go into bone marrow failure.
Jackson required blood transfusions on a weekly basis until he received a bone marrow transplant in July. He continues to need blood while his body begins to generate red cells on its own.
“For many months blood transfusions kept Jackson alive,” said Jennifer Sadlowe, Jackson’s mother. “Prior to going through this I never really considered donating blood. I know now that giving blood is giving the gift of life and Jackson is living proof of that.”
The Maple Grove community is invited to donate blood in honor of Jackson at an American Red Cross blood drive Oct. 31, from 2-8 p.m. at Cambria Suites, 9655 Grove Circle N. To make an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and use sponsor code Jackson.
“The last eight months have been difficult, but Jackson is incredibly brave and strong,” said Jennifer Sadlowe. “Without the blood that Jackson needed, our story may have been very different. We hope that this blood drive will help build awareness of the constant need for blood for patients like my son.”
Right now, blood donations are being distributed to hospitals as quickly as they come in. Donors of all blood types are needed to help ensure a sufficient supply for patients.
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 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 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, 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 cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.