Four-year-old Appreciates Blood Donors

T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Lymphoma is not something that should be in any four and a half year olds vocabulary, but unfortunately for J. Darrin Grabski of Westmoreland, NY, he not only knows it, but lives it everyday.

Since being diagnosed one year ago, Darrin has been receiving intense chemotherapy treatments at the SUNY Upstate Medical University, where he also receives platelet transfusions.

Platelets along with other blood by-products are crucial not only to Darrin’s survival, but the survival of other cancer patients as well. While undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments, the body is unable to produce platelets, which help control bleeding. Without them, patients bruise easily and may experience internal bleeding.

Despite his age, Darrin realizes how vital blood donors are in helping him beat this disease. As a way to express that understanding and show his gratitude, Darrin, along with parents Dean and Bekki will be at the Red Cross Utica Collection Site (4685 Commercial Drive, New Hartford, NY, 13413) on Saturday, May 19, to personally thank all those who come in to donate blood. The blood drive runs from noon to 1:00 pm.

All current eligible and new donors are urged to schedule and keep appointments to donate blood today by calling 1-800-448-3543, or the Cortland Chapter at 753-1182. Those eligible must be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good general health. In New York State, 16-year-olds may donate whole blood with an original signed New York State Informed Parental Permission. This form may be found at www.donatebloodnow.org.