Jacob is a 18-year-old senior in marching band. Olivia is a 15-year-old freshman in pep squad. What do they have in common? Both siblings are living with sickle cell disease.
Olivia had issues with pain so badly, she’d be admitted to the hospital for days on end. Since starting transfusions, she’s cheering on her team; something she couldn’t have done in the past. She’s not missing school, and even celebrated her quincenera in December.
While Olivia was on the mend, Jacob was getting sicker. He began blood transfusions in August, and each one makes him feel a little better. After about four transfusions, he was back to being a happy, active teenager and able to enjoy his senior year in high school.
The siblings get scheduled blood transfusions every four weeks. Without them the family would constantly be in the hospital.
“I know blood shortages are very real and it’s only a matter of time before we experience shortages,” said Jacob and Olivia’s mom. “People must donate this. It isn’t something that can be, If there’s a shortage, if it’s not there, it’s not there.”
With blood donors like you, Jacob and Olivia can continue living their best lives.
On the day of your donation: fill out your health questionnaire online before your appointment. Click here to access the form.
