At this moment, there are other babies and youngsters fighting for life. And they have a fighting chance, thanks to the medical treatments made possible by blood transfusions.

The Mississippi Valley Regional Blood center invites you to become part of these everyday, life-saving miracles by joining the Big Gifts for Little Hearts donor program – a special group of committed blood donors who give specifically for pediatric patients at area hospitals, including Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

“Hi, my name is Allie. I am 10 years old. I was 5 years old when I had my bone marrow transplant. I needed to live. The only way I could live was to get the blood and medications. And I lived. I want all the people in the world to know that you shouldn’t let people die. I have had lots of needle sticks in my life. I would do it to save someone’s life. Thank you to all the people who donated blood to help save my life. I tell God thank you in my prayers. Be a lifesaver. Donate your blood and people will help you, too.” – Allie

Cardinal Glennon operates several specialty departments, including a state-of-the-art pediatric intensive care unit, and treats children with all types of cancer, blood disorders, life-threatening injuries, and many other serious health conditions. Because of the critical nature of their work, high volumes of pediatric blood are used weekly.

Three units of blood and several units of fresh frozen plasma helped Collin survive multiple surgeries for craniosynostosis, a premature sealing of the bony plates that form the skull. “Blood is the body’s renewable resource. Medications can be manufactured, but sometimes people need more than that to recover from life-threatening illnesses and injuries. I donated blood before Collin was born, but now it has a very special meaning for me.” – Gina, Collin’s Mom

What does it take to GIVE BIG for little hearts?  Two simple things:

• Commit to donating whole blood at least three times a year
• Agree to be an “On-Call” donor if there is an emergency need

Because your donation can be divided into at least four tot-sized bags, it can help up to four very ill young patients. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at 800-747-5401, ext. 119.

Let donating blood be your personal expression of commitment to a child’s bright, healthy future.

Alexandria has sickle cell anemia, a genetic blood disease that distorts her red cells into sickle shapes, blocking blood flow and causing severe pain in her legs, feet, arms, and stomach. She will need blood transfusions all her life.