Recipients

Josh Kinderman, High School Cancer Survivor
 

Josh Kinderman, at age 4

"When I was two years old, I was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma.  As part of my treatment I underwent several surgeries, a bone marrow transplant, and received blood products from over 125 donors.  I just found out myself how much blood I received from donors when I sat down to write this article and was astounded."

Josh Kinderman, Lakota East, Class of '09

"It is crucial for everyone to donate if they can.  As a result of my treatment, I can not donate myself, but I can always bug my friends to do so when the blood drive is at my school.  You can literally save a life by donating a little bit of your time.  You have plenty, why not share it?  I think getting pulled out of class and free food is definitely worth the prick you feel when the needle goes in.  More than that, you can walk away with a big smile on your face knowing that you gave somebody the gift of life."

Joel Brown - Mason High School Student

"One week after I finished 7th grade, I was diagnosed with leukemia.  I had been sick for a few days and was very tired.  My parents took me down to Children's Hospital, where I was admitted for 30 days.  Because leukemia is a blood cancer, I had blood tests at least once every day.  Whenever my counts were too low, I would need a blood transfusion.  I don't know how many transfusions I had during the 30 days (or during the last 20 months that I have been in treatment), but I am thankful that when I needed blood products, they were available.  If they had not been available, I would not be alive today to write this! The blood products that I received came from Hoxworth Blood Center and the generous people who donated their own blood for patients like me. I am still being treated for leukemia and continue to have regular blood tests.  I have had HUNDREDS of needle pokes in the last 20 months.  I challenge you to take ONE for me.  Just one poke can help save a life.  It's easy to do and your reward is knowing you have done your part in saving a life - plus you get juice and cookies when you're done! There are many patients out there, young and old, whose lives depend on blood donations.  Please do your part in saving a life by donating blood!" Joel and his older brother Jack, who is donating blood

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Updated: 3/29/10

Learn how to host a Patient Replacement Blood Drive.