MINNEAPOLIS, MN – On Saturday, May 31, Memorial Blood Centers (MBC) hosted a successful blood drive in honor of baby Sarah, who was born in November 2024, developed RSV at age 2.5 weeks, and has required almost 100 blood transfusions in her short lifetime.
Sarah’s mom created “Sarah’s Lung Squad” to rally friends, family, and the community. In addition to organizing the blood drive, “Sarah’s Lung Squad” has donated toys and supplies to Children’s Hospital Minneapolis, Sarah’s treating hospital.
The drive, held at Church of St. Timothy, was decked out in “Sarah’s Lung Squad” signature pink and collected 48 units of blood and engaged an impressive 28 first-time donors.
Since her hospitalization, Sarah has made wonderful progress, and her family is grateful for the generous blood donors who gave her a fighting chance. To give back, they asked their community to give the selfless, lifesaving gift of blood donation.
This drive came at an especially critical time, as the summer months are often referred to as “trauma season” due to a spike in traumas at local hospitals. In the summer, with more daylight hours and increased outdoor activities, people are more likely to sustain injuries that may require blood transfusions, and hospital blood usage typically increases. Nearly 25% of trauma patients need blood transfusions for treatment.
Sarah’s family is committed to ongoing efforts to partner with MBC and give back to their community. Just two days after the blood drive, Sarah was discharged from the hospital after 183 days and is now home with her family!
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit mbc.org or call 1.888.448.3253.
To make an appointment at this blood drive, donors can call 1.888.GIVE.BLD (1.888.448.3253) or visit this link.
About Memorial Blood Centers
Founded in 1948, Memorial Blood Centers have served Minnesota and Wisconsin for more than 75 years, delivering more than 125,000 lifesaving blood products annually to 50+ hospitals, EMS and healthcare partners. MBC is part of New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe), which spans 17+ states and delivers one million blood products to 400+ U.S. hospitals annually. NYBCe additionally delivers cellular therapies, specialty pharmacy, and medical services to 200+ research, academic and biomedical organizations. NYBCe’s Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute is a leader in hematology and transfusion medicine research, dedicated to the study, prevention, treatment and cure of bloodborne and blood-related diseases. MBC serves as a vital community lifeline dedicated to helping patients and advancing global public health. To learn more, visit mbc.org. Connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
