I am VERY excited to announce that the Blood Drive in memory of Tyler was a huge success! The American Red Cross was hoping to get at least 40 donations. Instead, 99 people showed up, and of those eligible to donate, the Red Cross collected 80 usable units of blood – enough to help 240 people! Such a blessing, especially given the dangerously low supplies at the blood bank.
Because those wanting to donate this past Saturday exceeded the Red Cross’ ability to staff the event, there is a second blood drive in Tyler’s memory scheduled at our church for May 10th.
Some of us who were “deferred” (the Red Cross’ nice way of saying, “we can’t use your blood!”) can now try to build up our iron and get a second chance to donate. I unfortunately was in the group whose hemoglobin was too low to qualify. So I now have 2 1/2 weeks to eat a bunch of iron rich foods.
At the event, I was extremely touched to learn that Tyler’s blood drive had been advertised at the Hopkins PICU, and some of the staff came to donate.
The event was also publicized by 95.1 Shine FM. Shine FM had been praying for Tyler at their staff meetings throughout his entire illness, and on the air for the last couple months of his life. I thought that was especially fitting since it was Tyler’s favorite station. If you can’t tune in locally but are looking for a station that plays positive and encouraging music, you can listen to them online at http://www.951shinefm.com.
It was also a special blessing for me to see and get hugs from many of Tyler’s friends who were helping to staff the event by providing food and free child care. In the midst of my grief, I had a day of intense joy because of all the many, many helping hands who organized this event, staffed it, and donated. Tyler would have been most amazed!
The next drive will be Thursday, May 10, from 2pm to 8pm at Crossroads Church of the Nazarene in Ellicott City, MD. You can walk-in, or you can sign up at http://www.redcrossblood.org/make-donation-sponsor?field_sponsor_code_value=05314571. Childcare will be provided while you donate. Remember to take iron, hydrate well, and eat well in the days before donating!