Advertisement
A little history for those who are new to the blood drive. Jacob got sick back in February of 2022 with what we thought was a simple stomach bug. After a couple weeks of not getting better, he went to urgent care. They didn't know what the issue was so they referred him to Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital. Little did we know the whirlwind that was about to happen. It was a Tuesday evening that he went into the hospital, he was admitted and by the next morning he had a team of doctors and we were told that his liver was failing with no known cause. We watched this poor young man go downhill in the days to follow. He underwent a liver biopsy, his kidneys were failing, his blood stopped clotting and by Friday of that week the doctors were at a loss.. they had no answers and there was nothing more that he could do for him there. That Saturday he was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. The following day he ended up being placed on a ventilator and was placed in a medically induced coma... the doctors were at a loss as far as what was happening .. his organs were failing with no known cause. Over the course of a couple weeks, he underwent many tests and procedures and it was determined that he needed a liver transplant. Our family was baffled. A normally healthy 19 year old that is now in need of a liver transplant to save his life. The doctors spoke with his father and I prepping us for what to expect during and after the liver transplant. When we heard the doctor say that due to Jakes blood not clotting, they would have to reach out to the local blood banks to make sure that they would have enough blood to complete the surgery, our hearts sunk. You always hear that there is a blood shortage and that people need to get out and donate... well it really hits home when its you child laying there, depending on the donations of others to help keep him alive. That moment, after weeks of sitting by his side in the hospital, was when I realized what we could do to not feel so helpless and to give back some of what Jake had been given throughout his stay at that point and what he would require during the surgery and after. We planned an "in honor of" blood drive for him. Jake made it through the liver transplant but unfortunately didn't win the battle with what we found out later was a rare genetic disease called Wilsons. Jacob passed with his family around him on March 29th, 2022. With his in honor of blood drive scheduled just 5 days after his passing, we changed to to in memory of. The amount of support and love that was at that initial drive, made me, his father and step mom decide to make it an annual drive. This is our 3rd Annual drive in memory of Jake. We plan it each year for the Saturday before his birthday. Each year, we grow it bigger and have broken records each year with the amount of new donors! During our month long stay in Rochester while Jake was in the hospital, the generousity of Harbor House and Ronald McDonald house made it possible for his father and I to be right by his side.In conjunction with the blood drive, we also hold a basket raffle to help give back to both of those wonderful organizations. Last year, we had over 100 baskets and several large ticket items!! All ticket sales for the basket raffle get split and go to both houses to help other families that require their assistance. If you can't donate blood, please come check out the amazing baskets!
We hope that you can come and join our family in helping save lives and donate in memory of Jacob. You never know when it will be you or your loved one that is in need of blood or blood products!!
We encourage you to share this event and invite people! The more the merrier!
If any individual or business would like to donate items for the basket raffle, please let us know as any donation would be appreciated!
Click the link below to get you appointment scheduled today! All appointments scheduled before 08/15 will be entered into a drawing for a $50 Amazon gift card!! Winner to redeem at time of donation!
https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results...
***If you are a current or new donor, please consider doing a power red donation!! Power Red is similar to a whole blood donation, except a special machine is used to allow you to safely donate two units of red blood cells during one donation while returning your plasma and platelets to you.
Red cells from a Power Red donation are typically given to trauma patients, newborns and emergency transfusions during birth, people with sickle cell anemia, and anyone suffering blood loss.
Power Red donation requirements
*Donation frequency: Every 112 days, up to 3 times/year*
*You must be in good health and feeling well**
*Male donors+ must be at least 17 years old in most states, at least 5'1" tall and weigh at least 130 lbs.
*Female donors+ must be at least 19 years old, at least 5'3" tall and weigh at least 150 lbs.
Advertisement
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
2 Saint Marys St, Lancaster, NY 14086-2016, United States
