ATHENS, Ohio -- Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine and Ohio Athletics are hosting an American Red Cross blood drive at Ohio University's Convocation Center Lobby on Wednesday, Sept. 25, and Thursday, Sept. 26, from noon to 6 p.m. for the university campus and the public. To make an appointment, call (740) 593-9572.
"We are appealing to people with all blood types to help us build up the local blood supply," said Tia Trivison, manager of marketing at the University Osteopathic Medical Center and drive organizer. "Right now the supply has slipped to a two-day level, where a three-day supply is optimal. Blood donations help support patients with cancer, those undergoing organ transplant and joint replacement surgery, mothers and newborns and burn and trauma victims."
The drive is being supported by several area restaurants with donations of food for donors to enjoy in the canteen -- including W.G. Grinders, Papa Johns Pizza, Courtside Pizza, Tomatillo's, Miller's Chicken, Red Brick Tavern, Star of India, KFC, Avalanche Pizza, BW3, DP Dough, Village Bakery, Seven Sauces, Union Street Cafe, Jimmy Johns, Pizza Hut and Zachary's Delicatessen.
The blood drive is being held in honor of Dara Walburn, a sixth grader at East Elementary School who underwent open heart surgery this summer to repair a heart defect called Supravalvular Aortic Stenosis. Dara, from Athens, was born with Williams Syndrome a rare disorder that caused a little kink in her aorta just above the valve, prohibiting it from opening properly and obstructing the flow of blood.
"Our hope was that the aorta would grow with her and that she would never have to have open heart surgery," said Elly Walburn, Dara's mother. "But it did not happen that way."
In July Dara underwent open heart surgery at Children's Hospital in Columbus to repair the aorta. Dara's blood type is B+ and she needed two pints of blood during the procedure.
Dara has recovered quite well and is attending school under her normal routine. "Her father and I are thankful to the Red Cross and the persons who donated the blood that Dara needed. They sustained her life when she needed it most," said Elly. Donations cannot be made directly for Dara, but they will be collected to help other area patients in need of blood to save or sustain their lives.
To donate blood, a person must be at least 17 yrs. old, weigh at least 110 lbs. and be in good health. They also are eligible if they have not donated on or after February 16. All donors need to bring their donor card or picture ID with them to the drive.
For more information about the blood drive, contact Tia Trivison at the University Osteopathic Medical Center at (740) 593-9572.
