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Red Cross blood drive held in honor of teen battling severe influenza

The community is invited to give blood in honor of Josh Roy at a special American Red Cross blood drive held in his name Friday, Jan. 3 from 2-7 p.m. at the Swayzee Fire Department, according to a Red Cross news release.

Josh Roy is a 13-year-old 8th grader who enjoys school and loves his siblings and family. In October of this year, he contracted a severe case of influenza B virus and necrotizing staph pneumonia. He was transported to Riley Children’s Hospital where he has been on ECMO, a treatment to circulate blood through an artificial lung. After a CT scan of his lungs brought more bad news, a trach tube was inserted Nov. 1. Josh has received blood transfusions during his treatment and may need more.

Josh’s family knows how important blood donations can be. “You never know when someone you love might end up needing a blood transfusion,” said Jaqueline Bakehorn, Josh’s aunt. “We are so thankful for those who have given blood, and would love to see more people donate.”

“There are so many reasons why someone may need blood that we don’t even realize,” said Toni Fox, donor recruitment account manager for the Red Cross. “We take for granted that blood and blood products will be there at the hospital when we need it, but it can only come from generous volunteer donors. Giving blood in Josh’s name is a wonderful way to honor him and potentially help others.”

According to the news release, every two seconds in the United States blood is needed to respond to patient emergencies, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. The Red Cross must collect more than 13,000 blood and platelet donations every day for the patients at about 2,500 hospitals nationwide, including 80 hospitals in Indiana.

Those who come to give blood Dec. 19 to Jan. 5 will receive a gray long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

How to donate blood

Download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device 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, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

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