Become a Hero in Honor of Daniela Ciriello

From American Red Cross:

FARMINGTON, CT — Get an early start celebrating the spirit of the holiday season by donating blood in honor of brave 4-year-old Daniela Ciriello on Saturday, October 29 at the Grace United Methodist Church in Southington. This annual community event also includes a winter coat and toy drive to help all community members have a happy holiday season this year.

Little Daniela is a dancer, a new big sister and a fighter who receives blood transfusions every 3 weeks. She lives with a condition called beta thalassemia, which prevents her body from generating enough red blood cells on its own. The only treatment is regular blood transfusions. Blood donations from generous donors can help maintain Daniela’s quality of life.

“We have become staunch supporters of the Red Cross and blood drive coordinators,” said Daniel Ciriello, Daniela’s father. The Ciriello family has held several blood drives to date, often enrolling dozens of new and first-time donors during the events. This upcoming event also includes a complementary menu of food for donors to enjoy, including breakfast casseroles, pulled pork sliders and pasta.

Donate Blood in Honor of Daniela Ciriello

Saturday, October 29, 2016

8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Grace United Methodist Church

121 Pleasant St., Southington

To make an appointment to donate, visit redcrossblood.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

*Donors are encouraged to bring a gently used or new winter coat or new toy for kids in need in honor of Daniela for Southington Community Services.

How to Donate Blood

Simply download the American 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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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.

Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org and follow the instructions on the site.

Image via American Red Cross.