STANTON, Del. – The Martinez family, State Senator Nicole Poore, and Dr. Nina Anderson teamed up to hold the inaugural In Memory of Avalon Grant Blood Drive at Blood Bank of Delmarva’s (BBD) Christiana Donor Center on Saturday, November 9.
Senator Poore put blood drive coordinator Martinez in touch with BBD Account Manager Mary Moore to hold this event in memory of a young man who died during Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September after losing his own battle with sickle cell disease.
“Avalon struggled with sickle cell his whole life, but he was diagnosed at the age of 16,” Martinez said. “He started to deteriorate and was in and out of the hospital, and I wanted to learn more about the disease.
“Avalon was not just my son-in-law. I look at him as my son. This is healing for me to do this; I grieve him. At the same time, I told my daughter I would not let his death be in vain, and I was going to do everything I could to bring awareness to sickle cell. When I learned that sickle cell patients benefit from blood, I thought what better way to bring awareness than to hold a blood drive?”
Senator Poore learned that blood transfusions are one of the most critical treatments for sickle cell patients, and yet only 3 percent of eligible Americans actually donate blood. What’s more, only 5 percent of BBD’s donors are African American, but they constitute 23 percent of Delaware’s population.
“A successful blood transfusion can mean the difference between severe pain and relief for a sickle cell patient and could help patients avoid life-threatening complications,” Senator Poore said. “In memory of Avalon Grant and those with sickle cell disease, we are here for you. Julie Martinez, you did a fabulous job bringing us together to donate blood, and thank you to Dr. Nina Anderson, TOVA Community Health, for your continued research and support.”
In all there were 20 donors who gave in Avalon’s memory, and Martinez was among them. This was the first time she donated since she was 17 years old.
“Avalon is the reason why I took that needle today,” Martinez said. “When I let out that squeal, I’m sure Avalon looked down and laughed at me.”
Amber Martinez Grant, like her mother, wasn’t crazy about the idea of donating blood. But, she was inspired by her late husband to be among nine first-time donors in general or first-time donors with BBD.
Historic New Castle Councilman Brian Mattaway supported this cause and donated for the second time.
“Nicole reached out and told me about this event,” Mattaway said. “This young man passed away, and I just said, wow, that could be me or someone that I know. So, how could I help?”
Dr. Anderson, executive director of TOVA Health Center and a sickle cell expert, was also among the first-time donors.
“I’m just glad I was healthy enough to take that next step and help someone,” she said.
Dr. Anderson was also ecstatic to learn that, as she expected, she has O positive blood.
Last but not least, platelet donor Simone Rudd asked the Martinez family to add her name to the list of donors giving in Avalon’s name.
