News release from the American Red Cross:
Special Blood Drive In Memory of Hope Millington
Fort Wayne Community Encouraged to Donate Blood
(August 22, 2013) — The American Red Cross and Grace Point Church of the Nazarene will hold a special blood drive dedicated to the memory of Hope Millington, who passed away in 2008 at age 14 from complications of Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) Type VI.
Mucopolysaccharidosis is a progressive condition that causes many tissues and organs to enlarge and become inflamed or scarred. Skeletal abnormalities are also common in this condition.
“Hope was diagnosed with MPS when she was just 4 months old. She received numerous blood products during her Bone Marrow transplant at 9 months old,” said her mother, DeLana Millington. “Hope would not have survived without those life-saving products.”
All eligible donors are encouraged to come out on Saturday, August 31 between 9AM and 1PM at Grace Point Church of the Nazarene (8611 Mayhew Road) in Fort Wayne. Everyone who turns out to donate will receive a free Red Cross t-shirt, while supplies last.
“Hope was actively involved in the Children’s Ministry and Angel Food Ministry at Grace Point Church,” said DeLana. “Additionally, she raised money to help provide pet food to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and also crocheted scarves for underprivileged children overseas.”
Now is your chance to give back in memory of this selfless little girl. If Hope touched your life in any way, you’re encouraged to donate blood on August 31. To schedule an appointment, call Grace Point Church of the Nazarene at (260) 485-2110.
The strength of the American Red Cross Blood Services lies in the active involvement of people who voluntarily donate blood to meet demands in their community and around the country. The need for blood is constant—every two seconds someone in the United States needs a blood transfusion.
About the American Red Cross
The Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region serves northern and central Indiana and northwestern Ohio, and needs to collect about 500 units of blood a day to meet patient need in 60 hospitals. In addition to supplying about 40 percent of the nation’s blood, the American Red Cross teaches lifesaving skills, provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization—not a government agency—and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.
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