(08/30/07) - During this Labor Day weekend,
many are traveling, so the likelihood of auto accidents becomes imminent. Increased
outdoor activities during holiday celebrations can also be occasions for accidents. "With
the local blood supply at low levels, we are deeply concerned for the upcoming Labor Day
weekend when the need for blood is traditionally critical," said Victoria Rothacker,
spokesperson. "Of course, the need for blood extends beyond accident victims. In a
sense, every pint of blood represents the story of someone's life."
"We did not expect him to live," the doctor said through tears.
A year after his birth the doctor hugged Joshua tightly, recalling that painful time.
The baby lost vital signs during birth and was losing blood as fast as it was being
transfused. One-day old Joshua faced surgery that offered little hope of survival. There
was no hope without it. After 10 days on a respirator he was able to be held by his
parents for the first time. It took six weeks of uncertainty and another surgery before
Joshua could finally go home.
Joshua's father offered special thanks to type O negative blood donors, because without
them his son "simply would not have lived." Since newborns may carry their own
blood type as well as traces of their mother's blood, only type O negative blood can be
safely transfused.
Blood supplies remain critically low, particularly for types O negative and O
positive. Today started out with a half day supply of O negative and O positive
as well as four other blood types which are below minimum inventory standards. Blood
donations are urgently needed. For information, call the Red Cross at
1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit
