Big Battle for a Little Girl

Written by Jan Hale, American Red Cross Blood Services
 

We most often hear of life-altering diseases affecting their victims later in life. While these are always hard stories to tell and to receive, they seem to be all the more heart-breaking when the life they are affecting has just begun.

At only 3 years old, Reece Griffin was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) on April 16, 2015. ALL is a potentially life-threatening illness that can cause bone or joint pain, reoccurring infections and fatigue. Reece has had to receive numerous blood transfusions since her diagnosis, and she still has a long way to go.

On July 14, the American Red Cross is operating a blood drive in honor of Reece. We would like to encourage area residents to honor her and all of the other patients in the DFW metroplex in need of blood this summer by donating at the event.

“We can never thank those that rolled up a sleeve to give the blood that Reece has already received,” said Reece’s mom, Roxxy Griffin. “But, we can help educate our friends, neighbors and others on the importance of giving blood, especially during summer.”

The summer is an especially difficult time to collect enough blood to meet the needs of hospital patients. Many regular donors are traveling and vacationing, so summertime donors are extremely vital to ensuring that our area hospitals receive enough blood to fulfill patient needs. Blood donors with all types, particularly O negative, A negative and B negative, are urged to make an appointment.

Donate Blood in Honor of Reece McKenzie Griffin

Tuesday, July 14, 10:00 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Math/Science/Technology Magnet School

450 Abrams Road, Richardson, Texas

To make an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org (Sponsor code: reecemckenzie) or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

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The Power of One: Services to the Armed Forces

Written by Red Cross volunteer Amy Yen



For the past 69 years, the President of the United States has procalimed March as Red Cross Month. It is a time for us to come together as a country and reflect on how important the presence of the American Red Cross is to our lives, whether it is teaching us life saving CPR, repsonding to a house fire in our neighborhood or keeping us safe and comforted in a time of disaster. The scope of what the Red Cross does is massive, but sometimes the even more powerful perspective is taking a moment to look at how our organization changes lives one person at a time. Red Cross Dallas' Red Alert blog introduces The Power of One series in honor of Red Cross Month and the individuals that make the Red Cross so great.

Proud military mother Laura Tiede poses with a photo of her son.
Photo of courtesy of WFAA, Dallas

The American Red Cross helps thousands of victims of disasters, provides emergency military communications and saves lives because millions of Americans donate their time, money and blood to the movement each year. This Red Cross Month, we wanted to share the story of one of our supporters who knows that one phone call from the Red Cross will one day bring immeasurable comfort and aid to her family.

Last August, Laura Tiede, a legal assistant who works for Legal Aid in Fort Worth, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Days before she had surgery to have her gall bladder removed, her son Fred was deployed for his second tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Her colleagues at Legal Aid, where she has worked for 17 years, wanted to take up a collection to help her, but Laura had a different plan in mind. “I told them if they were going to take up a collection, to give it to the Red Cross,” said Laura. “Because if something were to happen to me, they would be the ones to contact my son’s Commanding Officer to get him home. Besides that, I’ve been watching what they do during disasters. The Red Cross selflessly goes wherever there’s a problem. I felt pretty strongly about it.”

Laura’s co-workers at Legal Aid decided to hold a blood drive in her honor on Veteran’s Day last November, where more than 30 people gave blood. That was enough to help 81 patients while honoring Laura’s son and other soldiers serving their country.

Although her doctors originally told her she would only have months to live, Laura has kept fighting. Her company plans to make the Veteran’s Day blood drive an annual affair. And her son has been recalled back to the U.S. because of her condition and is now due to be stationed at Foot Hood in Texas.

Laura’s commitment to the Red Cross continues to be a true inspiration to everyone around her. “I think it’s a great organization. I think everybody should support it,” she said. “I would tell people, if you had a disaster, who would show up? If your apartment burned down, who would show up? It’s the Red Cross. They come with clothes and food and they take care of you. The Red Cross is there for everyone. If something happens, out come the trucks, like ants. I hope everyone will donate and give blood.”

Thank you, Laura, for reminding us during Red Cross Month that one person’s commitment to our mission can save countless lives.

Since the Civil War, the American Red Cross has been taking care of members of the United States military and their families. Read more about how the Red Cross helps the Armed Forces and military families and how to host your own blood drive for Red Cross Month.

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Local high school students and faculty donate more than 100 units of blood

Students filled the high school hallway waiting patiently for their chance to make an impact in the community. Despite long lines, Garland High School (GHS) students and faculty rallied on Halloween to help answer the need for blood. More than 100 GHS students and faculty members came to donate 144 units of blood. Each unit of blood collected can help save up to three lives.

For most students, they look at donating as a rite of passage to adulthood as the legal age to donate in Texas without parental consent is 17. Whatever their inspiration may be to donate, students and faculty members left with feeling as though they made a difference. And they did! It is only with their kind donation that the Red Cross is able to provide blood to patients in need.

Thank you to the GHS family and their Health Occupation Students of America student organization for being an inspiring leader in the community!

To learn how your organization can host a blood drive or to donate, please visit http://www.redcrossblood.org/.

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So You Mean They’re Kinda Like Vampires Mommy?

Guest blog post by Allie with ScrewedUpTexan.com

Last Saturday, my husband and I decided we’d give blood at our church while the Red Cross was running a blood drive. Now I hadn’t given blood since my senior year in high school and to be honest with you I was nervous because in high school I remember being told I had passed out and I had scared the folks running the drive. So for me to actually go to the blood drive and donate again last weekend was an accomplishment in itself.

If you’ve never given blood or it’s been a long time since you last did, you’ll be happy to know that the process is very easy and simple. Basically, you sign in, answer a bunch of questions, get your finger pricked, answer a bunch more questions, and then wait your turn to have your arm stabbed by a big needle. Okay. Fine. The needle ain’t that big, but my mind tends to over exaggerate things like any good Southerner’s would. You know, like a really good gossip story.

We took our kids with us to the church so we could show them what we were doing and why we were doing it. When it was my turn to donate blood, I called my kids over and told them, “Come over here and give me a hug before I die!” Only two of the three did so. My youngest asked me:

“Mommy, what are they going to do with you?”

Me: “Oh, they’re just gonna take a little bit of my blood to give to someone else that needs it.”

Him: “How do they do that?”

Me: “Well, they stick a needle in your arm and then the Red Cross sucks it into a baggie.”

Him: “So, you mean they’re kinda like vampires, Mommy?”

Me: “Exactly.”

And then he ran off not to be seen again until he saw me eating the snacks for the donors. So I gave him a nutter butter bar.

Then I went home and passed out for an hour.

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Seasons change but the need remains constant

Thank goodness we can finally wave goodbye to a record breaking summer - record breaking because of the triple digit heat across the country, devastating fires in Texas and a hurricane that hit just about the entire east coast. While the merciless heat is gone and a new season approaches, the need for life-saving blood remains constant. Every TWO seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. Think about that statement. What can you do in two seconds? Snap your finger, yawn or wave goodbye to summer? In that time, someone needed a blood transfusion.

So, how does the Red Cross make sure blood is available for that patient? By only using what you graciously donate because blood cannot be purchased or manufactured. You can see why even coming to give blood makes you a hero in the eyes of patients, their family and friends and the Red Cross. Come save a life with us this fall. To learn more about blood and make an appointment to become a hero, please visit http://www.redcrossblood.org/.

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Thank You Blood Donors

Thank you to everyone who came to donate blood in September to help us meet our goal. We came very close but fell a little short. With your help, we know we can exceed the goal in October! As an extra incentive, come by and attempt to donate at any Red Cross blood drive in Texas by this Sunday, Oct. 9 and you will be automatically entered for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card. Five gift cards will be given away each day.

By donating blood, you are helping us give the gift of life and hope. When donating with the Red Cross, not only will your donation help patients in your local community, but also your friends and family across the country.

To schedule an appointment or find a drive near you, visit http://www.redcrossblood.org/ or call 1-800-REDCROSS.

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Local Blood Supply in Critical Condition

American Red Cross Urges Immediate Donations

After months of scorching temperatures, followed by wildfires and hurricanes, the blood supply in Texas is at a critical low. Donations are needed immediately. In fact, the Red Cross hopes to collect 1,370 units of blood in Texas before the end of the month to ensure that an ample supply is on the shelf before the next emergency. To schedule a blood donation or find a drive in your area, go to www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

The American Red Cross thanks you in advance for your lifesaving gift and for advancing this message to other potential donors.

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Vigilantes Donate to Blood Donors

The Dallas Vigilantes want to thank American Red Cross blood donors for helping keep area hospital shelves supplied this summer. The Lone Star State’s Arena Football League entry knows the importance of having a good backup if one of its players goes down as it is for hospitals to have blood on hand at all times. The Vigilantes are giving complimentary tickets to their regular season closer, Saturday, July 23, at the American Airlines Center against their conference rival Arizona Rattlers.

“The Dallas Vigilante’s are happy to be partnering with the Red Cross with this ticket giveaway,” said Jim Tolbert, Sports Marketing Consultant, PCI. “Come enjoy the game on the 23rd and save a life. That’s a winning combination.”

Tickets will be given away at select locations. Individuals can call 1-800-RED CROSS to find participating Red Cross donor centers or blood drives.

“The Vigilantes have been kind enough to provide enough tickets so that 1,000 donors can get a voucher for two seats at the 2011 closer,” said Alison Cook, American Red Cross. “Arena football is a high-scoring event, fun for the whole family. And indoors where it’s cool. This game could be a preview of the two teams’ meeting in the playoffs and we thank them for sharing.”

While blood is needed year-round it is needed especially in the summer, with schools out, people on vacation or the weather being too hot for some to donate. With the beginning of summer vacations, the supply of type O negative blood at the Red Cross has dropped significantly. A decline in blood donations is typical during the summer as donors become busy with seasonal activities and overlook donating blood. For this reason, it is important for eligible donors with blood type O negative to make and keep appointments to give blood this summer. Donors may subscribe to Red Cross texting by sending redcross to 42227 or registering online at redcrossblood.org.

How to Donate Blood:

Call 1-800-RED CROSS or log on to www.redcrossblood.org for more information or to schedule a blood donation appointment. All blood types are needed to ensure the Red Cross maintains an adequate blood supply. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Donors must be in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old (16 with completed Parental Consent Form). New height and weight restrictions apply to donors younger than 19. Visit redcrossblood.org to learn more.

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World Blood Donor Day is June 14th - "Celebrating the gift of Blood"

Supermodel Niki Taylor, a Red Cross volunteer and blood recipient

In 2011 alone, nearly 6 million people across America may require a blood transfusion. With no substitute for human blood, those in need rely on the kindness of donors. Through their generous actions, these blood donors prove how one person can make a difference in the lives of many, as one blood donation can help save more than one life.

To raise awareness about this critical issue, American Red Cross Blood Services is partnering with Nexcare™ Bandages on the third-annual Nexcare give Program. This nationwide initiative thanks blood donors and encourages others to give. The campaign kicks off June 14, 2011, World Blood Donor Day, and runs through the end of the month at Red Cross blood drives and donor centers across the country. During this campaign, Nexcare is providing, for free, a limited-edition collection of five fashion bandages emblazoned with the word give to demonstrate how doing good looks good too.

Supermodel Niki Taylor, a Red Cross volunteer and blood recipient, is serving as the face and voice of this year’s campaign. She credits her survival to the donors and doctors who helped save her life.

“As someone who owes her life to donors who gave blood to help someone they didn’t even know, I think giving blood is a critical community service that cannot be overlooked. Currently, however, only about eight percent of those who can give do so each year,” said Niki Taylor. “Through the Red Cross and Nexcare give program, I hope to educate people about the impact each person can have, and help them realize that helping to save a life is always in style.”

The Red Cross must collect 22,000 units of blood each weekday, and another 15,000 each weekend in order to help save the lives of patients like Niki.

Please give today.

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Blood Products Shipped to Alabama

Tornadoes and floods have devastated communities and uprooted families across many states, and the Red Cross is working to provide materials, equipment and blood products to areas hardest hit.

The Red Cross is moving hundreds of blood products to Alabama to make sure hospital patients have the blood they need following the deadly tornadoes there on Wednesday night.

This severe weather has caused the cancellation of 811 blood and platelet donations this week, mostly in the Southeast, South Central and Mid-Atlantic areas.

Maintaining sufficient blood to meet patient needs is a delicate balance between supply and demand. The Red Cross urges eligible donors in unaffected areas to make an appointment to give blood or platelets in the coming days and weeks.

All blood types are needed, but type O-negative donors can make the difference between an adequate blood supply and a shortage.

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