In Long Beach, the police department and friends invite the community to a blood drive to honor a 13-year-old survivor. A release from the American Red Cross says Violet Van Gieson hasn’t walked since June 2020 after contracting a MRSA infection that led to the amputation of her left leg. The Red Cross says she needed two blood transfusions during surgery and she credited the kindness of strangers who gave her blood to fight another day. Her battle has included 15 surgeries and 35 days in in-patient care. “She’s a beautiful young lady, a good student, and a survivor,” said Jeremy Van Gieson, Violet’s father. Violet’s family hopes that the community will come out and help those who need blood transfusions. “One hour out of someone’s day can have the potential of saving up to three lives, said Kristine Kaplan, blood account manager for the American Red Cross of Indiana. The blood drive will be at the Old School Community Center on Oriole Trail in Long Beach 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Sunday, January 30, 2022.
How to donate:
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.
