Blood donations bring hope during the holidays

The holiday season is a time for people to reflect on what makes them grateful. Family, friends and good health come to mind for many. However, countless patients like Ethan Hoffart strive for good health during the holidays, oftentimes in a hospital room, away from family and friends.

When Ethan was 10 years old, he spent most of the holiday season being treated for aplastic anemia, a disease in which the body’s bone marrow doesn’t make enough new blood cells. For four months Ethan was dependent on blood transfusions every seven days and platelet transfusions every three days. He said he “probably wouldn’t even be here” if no one donated blood. But thanks to volunteer donors, Ethan’s disease is under control, and he will be at home with his family to celebrate the holidays this year.

Blood donations can bring hope to patients like Ethan. All types are currently needed, especially O negative, A negative and B negative. Make an appointment to give something that means something with the American Red Cross this holiday season at redcrossblood.org or 1-800-RED CROSS.