Donor and Patient Stories - Christopher's Story

Christopher's parents are grateful for blood donors

Rich P. was excited about becoming a father. But excitement turned quickly to fear and anxiety when the doctors diagnosed his son Christopher with Rh disease, a rare blood disorder that destroys a newborn’s red blood cells and can cause anemia, brain damage, heart failure and death. “As a parent, you expect a beautiful birth and a happy, healthy baby,” says Rich, “but our baby was very, very sick.” From birth, every inch of Christopher’s skin was bathed in light in an effort to combat the jaundicing effects of his life-threatening illness. The baby’s health continued to suffer.

After weeks of hospitalization and constant care, Christopher required an emergency blood transfusion. “It was the middle of the night,” says Rich, “and all I could think was, I hope the blood is safe. I hope they have the right type of blood available for our baby.” Thanks to anonymous donors, there was blood available for Christopher. And because of the Blood Bank’s rigorous screening process, the blood was safe for transfusion.

Two years later, Christopher is the picture of health. Rich says his son is “living proof” that blood donors do make a difference. He gives blood and platelets several times each year, and he encourages others to do the same. “No one plans to need blood,” says Rich, “but blood emergencies are real. Giving blood is the least I can do to make sure that there will be a safe supply of blood available for other people who need it.”

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