Recipient Stories

Just before his 16th birthday, Eric came down with what his family thought was the flu. A blood test at the hospital revealed that the situation was much more serious - Eric had leukemia. He commenced immediate chemotherapy and over the course of his treatment required 25 units of red cells and over 30 units of platelets. Eric made it to his 16th! In fact, he is now 19, in remission, and attends the University of Idaho. "Blood donors have given me so much," Eric says. "I wouldn't be here without them."

To see him today, you'd never know Chas was diagnosed with leukemia when he was just five months old. During his three-and-a-half years of treatment, Chas needed a complete volume replacement of the blood in his body and countless units of platelets. After each platelet treatment, he would go from being lethargic to good-natured and full of energy. He's gone on to become a good athlete with a bright future and a lot to be thankful for. The blood and platelets that he received from people he'll never know have given him a chance he is eager to make the best of.

Eighteen-month-old Calvin had sickle cell disease. So when he ran a fever that didn't go away, his mother rushed him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with acute chest syndrome. Several days later, when it was time to go home, Calvin's mother noticed he couldn't move one of his legs - he had had a stroke. Therapy, love and blood donations helped Calvin recover. To avoid future episodes, Calvin will continue to need the help only blood donors can give.