Blood donations critical in winter months; Red Cross continues to reach out to potential donors

ALBANY — As the holiday season draws to a close, opportunities still exist to help those spending the winter recovering from traumatic accidents, cancer treatment or emergency surgeries by giving blood.

The American Red Cross is continuing to offer incentives for potential donors to roll up their sleeves and give during a time of year that blood supply is often limited.

“These things don’t stop for the holidays. Neither does the need for blood,” Ronnika A. McFall, external communications manager for the American Red Cross Southern Blood Services Region, said earlier this month. “The American Red Cross urgently needs blood donors to give now to help ensure blood remains available this holiday season for vital medical treatments and unforeseen emergencies.”

The Red Cross recently shared the story of Daniela Ciriello, 6, who dances and performs gymnastics moves with the help of regular blood transfusions. She was born with a rare genetic blood disorder called beta thalassemia that went undiagnosed for months.

At 14 months old, the Ciriellos finally had answers to why their daughter was so fussy and was not gaining much weight or eating. Doctors discovered that Daniela’s body does not make enough healthy red blood cells.

“That same night, we got a call from the on-call doctor at 11 p.m., requesting Daniela come immediately to the emergency room,” Daniela’s father, Daniel Ciriello, said. “Once there, we learned her hemoglobin was 4.0. They do not know how she was even conscious, let alone alive.”

Daniela required seven transfusions during the emergency room visit. Since then, Daniela has received transfusions of type O positive blood about every three weeks to help manage her condition.

“Blood is her lifeline,” Nicole Ciriello, Daniela’s mother, said. “It’s how she survives. It’s how she can wake up and take on each beautiful day.”

Daniela’s parents can tell when she needs a blood transfusion — or her “go-go juice,” as they call it. She is often pale, tired and cranky.

“Because people donate blood, my daughter is alive and living her best life. I can’t put into words how thankful I am for that and what it means to our family,” Nicole Ciriello said.

Daniela’s little brother was also diagnosed with beta thalassemia when he was 14 months old. Currently, his condition is being managed with medication, but he may need blood transfusions in the future.

Since transfusions have such an important role in the health of their family, the Ciriellos regularly encourage others to give blood and help host blood drives in their community.

“We are eternally grateful for the gift of life all blood donors give,” Nicole Ciriello said.

Blood drives in the metro Albany area scheduled over the coming days include:

— Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Albany Mall, 2601 Dawson Road, Albany;

— Friday, 3-7 p.m., Margaret Jones Library, 205 E. Pope St., Sylvester;

— Wednesday, 2-6 p.m., Albany Area YMCA Leadership Room, 1701 Gillionville Road, Albany;

— Jan. 4, 1-5 p.m., Oakland Library, 445 Oakland Parkway West, Leesburg;

— Jan. 7, noon-5 p.m., Porterfield Memorial United Methodist Church, 2200 Dawson Road, Albany.

The Red Cross is giving a special long-sleeved T-shirt to those who come to donate through Jan. 6, while supplies last.

Officials with the Red Cross said those wishing to donate can download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.

High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements, officials said.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their appointment by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive.

The Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters, supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood, teaches skills that save lives, provides international humanitarian aid, and supports military members and their families. It depends on volunteers and donors.

For more information on the Red Cross, visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or find @RedCross on Twitter.