Why do kids undergoing cancer treatment need Blood?

Hear firsthand from a parent/advocate below!

    “Count-related delays were a constant for us throughout Lea’s treatment.” Aimee continues, “We rarely saw any of the tell-tale symptoms of low hemoglobin, but even a gentle hug left her bruised if her platelets were low.”

[Read Elevate’s Building Bridges Blog post, ‘Why Blood Donations Matter to those with Childhood Cancer’ to learn more about blood and donations!]

________________________

    “She was surprisingly zen about the frequent transfusions, which were delivered through her port (port access was a process for which we had a very solid distraction routine).  Neutropenia left her in a mild panic.  Even now, some two years later, she gets anxious taking her temperature. 

Leanor explains how she felt about this back in 2021,

If I have to go in for a fever, I’m like, ‘No!!!!’

   When I have a fever, I have to have a poke in my arm in the Emergency Room.  It’s really uncomfortable, even *if* I have magic cream.  And sometimes I jump and it comes out, which makes them have to poke multiple times.

   Leanor celebrated 2 years NED (no evidence of disease) in the fall of 2023 and she is currently living life post-treatment with zero mobility restrictions.  Managing her anxiety, especially the medical anxiety, is a constant work–in–progress, but she continues to do well academically and socially.  She returned to ballet class after her second long hiatus last fall, she’s a proud member of her school’s choir, and an active Junior Girl Scout.

Photography by the talented Haley Birdwell

Please help keep our site secure and solve this problem.

We respect your privacy and will never sell or share your information.