When the American Red Cross and the Brunswick community host a blood drive next week, one little girl will be especially thrilled.
Kiara Pacheco, a second-grader at Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, was just 5 when she was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, according to American Red Cross officials.
She received lifesaving blood transfusions for approximately one year.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, the third annual Brunswick Community Blood Drive will be dedicated to Kiara, who is now 7. The event takes place at the Stowe school.
“Our family is grateful every day that Kiara is healthy and thriving again,” said Erika Carlile, Kiara’s mother. “We want to thank everyone who donates blood and, if you don’t now, we encourage you to give. You never know when someone you love may need it.”
The holidays bring families and friends together in hopeful times to share in celebrations and special times of giving. For families dealing with major illness the holidays can be a difficult time. This holiday season give the gift that means something, give blood.
To make an appointment, call 1-(800) RED CROSS or register online at redcrossblood.org.
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