Open Letter to Blood Donors,

As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for your commitment in helping the lives of so many sick and dying patients.

I have worked for the American Red Cross Blood Services for over ten years. I have always had a special place in my heart for blood donors. I would like to tell you about my daughter Katie, a bright, beautiful and energetic 8-year-old who brought joy and happiness to anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Katie became acutely sick in May of 2001 and was admitted to Baystate Medical Center. A week after being admitted and undergoing several procedures and blood tests, she was diagnosed with Liver Cancer due to Tyrosinemia, a rare genetic disease usually diagnosed at birth. She underwent a Liver Transplant at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia on June 2, 2001, one week after being transferred there. She had a wonderful recovery. Unfortunately, on October 23, 2001, Katie's 8th birthday, we were informed that her cancer had spread to her lungs. We had been told that the chances of it reoccurring were great and that chemotherapy would not help this type of cancer. We tried some alternative treatments, but because of the liver transplant and her young age, we were limited in what we could try. Katie felt relatively well until February of this year when she began showing the signs and symptoms of terminal cancer. In April our family went on a Make-A-Wish Disney Cruise. During spring break, Katie was hospitalized again. After that, she never felt well enough to return to school. She died at home on July 6, 2002.

Katie had a very positive attitude. Each time she was hospitalized, she would worry more about other children than herself. She used to say she was lucky because she did not have to undergo chemotherapy and lose her hair like some of the other children. She was also very concerned about the children whose parents were not able to be with them around the clock. During her long struggle, Katie received several transfusions of Red Cells, Platelets and Plasma. The Red Cells would give her the energy she needed for a few days when she became extremely tired and her counts were very low. The Platelets prevented severe internal bleeding after surgical procedures and decreased the time she needed to be in the hospital for observation. The Plasma helped to regulate her body fluid levels during an emergency hospital admission. Without donors like you this would not have been possible

I had always thought that Blood Donors were wonderful and giving people. The amount of kindness, love and support Katie and our family have received is overwhelming. As an American Red Cross employee and as a Mom who knows the importance of having blood products available when it is a matter of life or death I want to thank you for being willing to "Give the Gift of Life".

With Thanks and Appreciation for all you do,
Clara DaSilva

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