News and Events

Episode hits close to home for a family in Newark battling the same rare disease that affects just 700 people in the world

NEWARK, DE - Ty Pennington and his "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" team knocked on the door of "The Bell Family" in Arizona on January 27, 2009 (the episode covering their story and the construction of their new home airs March 22 at 8pm on ABC). Fourteen-year-old Lizzie was born with Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA), a rare condition that prevents red blood cells from being produced in her bone marrow. She survives on regular blood transfusions.

Fewer than 700 people in the world have this disease. That's why the bond between the Bell family and the Shannon family of Newark, Delaware is so strong. John Shannon, 3, also has Diamond Blackfan Anemia and needs frequent blood transfusions to survive. So far, he has had more than 50. Despite the distance, both families have known each other for 3 years. They first met at Camp Sunshine in Maine, a retreat for children battling life-threatening illnesses and their families.

"It was an incredible opportunity to meet DBA families from all over the country and work through some of the emotions in dealing with the disease," said Tuesday Shannon, John's mother. "We bonded and shared a tissue box and our medical journeys. I know the Bell family has been having a particularly tough time in recent years, and I am thrilled that they were picked for the Extreme Home Makeover experience!"

Lizzie Bell has been recognized by her local Red Cross chapter for her ambassadorship in telling others about blood drives and donating blood. While she's been helping others these past ten years, the Bell's home has been neglected due to the high costs of her medical bills. The home is sinking with gaping cracks in the cement floor, suffers mold and termite problems and is in need of other repairs.

In honor of Lizzie and others fighting Diamond Blackfan Anemia, the Shannon family has partnered with Blood Bank of Delmarva to promote blood donation. They are kicking off a HERO blood drive at the Blood Bank's Christiana Center in Newark on March 23 (the day after the "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" show airs), and it will run through March 28. People interested in giving blood for this HERO drive or anytime can request an appointment by calling 1 888 8-BLOOD-8 or clicking HERE. Donors should fill out a HERO card at the time of their blood donation.

"Please consider giving blood. It's one of the easiest ways you can make a difference," said Tuesday Shannon. "Just think about my son, John. Think about Lizzie Bell. They are just two examples of people alive today because of blood donors and I am so grateful."

For more information:

- To learn about John's journey, visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/johnshannoniv.
- For a graphic on understanding DBA, click http://www.dmaf.org/docs/Healthy_Body_Vs_DBA.pdf.
- To see the progress of the "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" construction, log on to http://www.extrememakeovertucson.com/index.asp.
- To see local news coverage of the Bell Family, visit http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/ss/family/108722.php

*** TUNE IN: "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" - TUCSON, AZ - to air March 22 at 8:00pm on ABC. ***

Wilmington, DE - When Chris Ashton was less than a year old, doctors discovered a hole in the lower chamber of his heart. During surgery, Chris was pale white and non-responsive, and without blood transfusions, he would not have survived. Chris received two pints of blood and within an hour, he was pink again and his eyes were focused. The surgery was a success.

That was in 1991. Today, Chris is a 17-year-old student at Salesianum School in Wilmington and is finally old enough to give back to the cause that saved his life. He registered to give blood at his high school blood drive on Tuesday, March 10 at 8:30am.

"I'm alive today because of the generosity of blood donors," Chris said. "I've been waiting anxiously for the day when I could return the favor - and now that day has come."

Blood Drive Facts:
Salesianum School - Gymnasium
1801 N Broom St
Wilmington, DE 19802
Tuesday, March 10 (Chris donates at 8:30am)

Crisfield, MD - Blood Bank of Delmarva is happy to announce that Bill Robinson has joined its Regional Board. Members of the board work in their communities to increase awareness about the need for blood and to encourage people to join and support the Blood Bank.

Mr. Robinson is a marketing specialist for the McCready Foundation, the organization that operates the community hospital and nursing home in Crisfield, MD. In addition to his responsibilities for promoting McCready's healthcare services and working as a community liaison, Mr. Robinson also manages the Foundation's website.

"I was honored to be asked to serve on the Blood Bank board and represent Somerset County," Robinson said. "I know firsthand the work it does is vital. My family has been a beneficiary of its services going back nearly 40 years."

A graduate of the University of Maryland, Robinson resettled on the Delmarva Peninsula in 2008 after 23 years living in South Carolina, where he was a journalist for the state capital's daily newspaper. He reported on municipal and state government and was The State newspaper's beat writer covering higher education and K-12 education. Robinson began his communications career in the late 1970s at his hometown newspaper, The (Salisbury, MD) Daily Times, where he was a general assignment reporter/photographer.

Mr. Robinson resides in Salisbury, MD with his wife, Jane Langrall Robinson, an English-language arts teacher at Delmar Middle School.