One-year-old diagnosed with rare blood disorder highlights importance of donation

ARKANSAS, USA — As we enter the holiday season, thoughts of Thanksgiving dinners and time spent with family and friends come to mind, but some families will be forced to wonder whether their loved one will make it through tomorrow. 

One-year-old Declan de Gruy is a patient in need of blood transfusions every three weeks. Declan was diagnosed with Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA) at just three months old, leaving his bone marrow unable to make red blood cells.

While many patients with DBA can be treated effectively with steroid therapy, Declan has a severe form of the disease that has left him transfusion-dependent. While he and his family await news on a potential marrow transplant, Declan has received 18 blood transfusions.

Complicating matters further, Declan’s blood type is also O-negative, which means he can only receive transfusions from other O-negative donors.

O-negative blood availability is an ever-present concern for the de Gruy family due to its nature as a “universal blood type,” frequently needed for emergency transfusions.

Our Blood Institute encourages donors to give blood ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday to help patients like Declan. Successful donors will receive a long-sleeved “Don’t Be a Grinch” T-shirt, and if you choose to give November 20th through the 22nd, you will also receive a Field’s pecan pie and a chocolate bar with a chance to find a golden ticket worth $250.

As a bonus, now through January 12, blood donors can earn DOUBLE Donor Store points by downloading the new OBI mobile app and scheduling and keeping their donation appointment.

Blood donations typically decrease during the holidays. Give the gift of life through a blood donation to help save local lives when it is needed most.

Our Blood Institute relies on 1,200 volunteer blood donors a day to meet the needs of patients at more than 160 hospitals and medical facilities as well as all air ambulances statewide.

To learn more about Declan’s story, you can watch a video detailing his battle and the impact on his family.

Anyone who is healthy and at least 16 years old can give blood. Blood can be donated every 56 days and platelets can be given as often as every seven days, up to 24 times a year.

Appointments to donate can be made online or by calling 877-340-8777.

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