Neighbor News
Arlington Heights Family Hosts Blood Drive to Honor Son’s Heartiversary
Family invites neighbors to donate blood in honor of their son's lifesaving open-heart surgery.
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — When Bryson was just 4½ months old, doctors discovered three holes in his heart caused by a congenital condition known as AVSD Complete Canal. This type of heart defect is especially common among individuals with Down syndrome — in fact, according to Bryson's mom about 50% of people with Down syndrome are born with some form of congenital heart defect.
Bryson underwent open-heart surgery at Lurie Children’s Hospital on December 2, 2020, a day his family now lovingly calls his “Heartiversary.” Today, he is thriving with a perfectly repaired heart.
To celebrate his progress and give back to the community that supported them, Bryson’s family is hosting the Bless Bryson’s Heart Blood Drive on Saturday, December 6, from 2–6 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights.
Find out what's happening in Arlington Heightsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Children undergoing AVSD repair often require multiple blood transfusions, highlighting just how essential a strong blood supply is for families facing medical emergencies. That experience is what led Bryson’s family to start the annual drive in 2023. The family hopes to collect at least 40 units this year.
Event Details
Bless Bryson’s Heart Blood Drive
📅 Saturday, December 6
⏰ 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights
1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Find out what's happening in Arlington Heightsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
🩸 To schedule an appointment, click here or call 877-258-4825.
All donors will receive a coupon for a free pint of Culver’s Frozen Custard.
Bryson’s family hopes the community will come together once again — not only to celebrate a little boy’s healthy heart, but to help ensure lifesaving blood is available for patients across Illinois.
