Local Woman Saves Lives in Memory of Husband

by Jan Hale, Communications Program Manager, American Red Cross Blood Services

John Sills with 6-month old daughter, Sydnee Grace

What would you do if your life had been touched not once, but twice by the unselfish act of strangers? Trinity Meadows School Nurse Alicia Dunn knows more than most the importance of donating blood, with her husband receiving many units before his death from non-Hodgkin’s and Hodgkin’s lymphoma and a close friend also fighting cancer and currently receiving blood. She choose to use her experiences as a reason to pay it forward by coordinating the first-ever blood drive at Trinity Meadows Intermediate School.

The drive was held in memory of Dunn’s husband, John Sills (pictured here with his daughter) and in honor of friend, Ricky Dean. Sills battled non-Hodgkin’s and Hodgkin’s lymphoma for 16 months before passing away in March 2009. He received approximately 61 pints of blood and blood products during his battle with the disease.

“My daughter and I are so thankful for the time we had with John,” Dunn said. “We can never repay the generous blood donors who helped give us that time, but we can pay it forward.”

Rickey Dean, currently fighting Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Dean is currently undergoing treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukemia and has, to date, received three pints of blood and blood products. As plans are finalized for a stem cell transplant, Dean is expected to need more blood. 

In total, 22 units of blood were collected at the drive last week.

The timing of this blood drive is important to the American Red Cross as we look ahead to the long, hot summer. We are hoping this drive can serve as a reminder to put donating blood on your list of important things to do in May and throughout the summer months. To make your blood donor appointment, click on www.redcrossblood.org. 

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