Blood Transfusions, A Family Affair
By: Charlotte Ames
Updated: March 31, 2008
Every year, five million people in the country receive blood transfusions. Many of them didn't think they'd ever be in that situation. In our area, a grandfather and grand-daughter admit they might not be together today , if not for that life-saving gift.
Josie Harrington of Blair County came into the world ten weeks early, weighing only two and a half pounds, and like many preemies---anemic. She needed a blood transfusion.
"I certainly never thought i would need it or a baby that i would have would need it," says her mother Heather Harrington.
More than nine years later, Josie's in great health and has never had any medical problem
They not only have family ties in common---they're both blood recipients. Fifteen years ago, doctors diagnosed Pete with liver disease that required a transplant. His illness and the transplant procedure itself required massive amounts of blood---more than 70 units for the operation alone.
Pete says, "it's just an amazing thing to think that there were 70 individuals out there that led to the fact that i am able to be here today."
That's why the whole family, volunteers for the Red Cross, which features Pete and Josie in its latest campaign. The two are very close Thanks to blood donations, they can have a lot of future plans.
You can find a blood drive in your area by logging on to www.givelife.org .
Josie Harrington of Blair County came into the world ten weeks early, weighing only two and a half pounds, and like many preemies---anemic. She needed a blood transfusion.
"I certainly never thought i would need it or a baby that i would have would need it," says her mother Heather Harrington.
More than nine years later, Josie's in great health and has never had any medical problem
They not only have family ties in common---they're both blood recipients. Fifteen years ago, doctors diagnosed Pete with liver disease that required a transplant. His illness and the transplant procedure itself required massive amounts of blood---more than 70 units for the operation alone.
Pete says, "it's just an amazing thing to think that there were 70 individuals out there that led to the fact that i am able to be here today."
That's why the whole family, volunteers for the Red Cross, which features Pete and Josie in its latest campaign. The two are very close Thanks to blood donations, they can have a lot of future plans.
You can find a blood drive in your area by logging on to www.givelife.org .
Charlotte Ames is the area's only local Health Reporter and brings you the latest medical health news weeknights. You can catch Healthcast on WTAJ News at 5:00pm and her Health Headlines report on WTAJ News at 5:30pm.