Wednesday, August 20, 2008

DIRECTED DONATIONS

I was just talking to one of Johnny's nurses about his reaction last night and she told me she will contact the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center about making Directed Donations for Johnny. This way if you make a blood product donation -- please either platelets or red cells or plasma -- Johnny will have it waiting for him when he needs it.

For Johnny, a reaction to the blood products is usually because they are from random donors -- meaning if you donate whole blood (takes about 15 minutes) -- it's separated into 3 components: red cells, platelets and plasma.  It could take many random donors to make one unit for Johnny -- and this could potentially be the root of the problem.  Most people --even Johnny -- didn't have problems with random donations, it wasn't until he was diagnosed with AML that he had reactions.  

So please, if you like to do whole blood -- that's cool -- but if you want Directed Donations specifically for Johnny that is even BETTER.  As I was packing our room on 9, it sounded like the paper work was already being signed and faxed -- when I find out his 'specific number' I will post it as soon as possible.  His MRN: 8928268  -- you might try that in the mean time....  I hope I said all of that correctly -- and our friends at the Blood Center aren't mad!

thanks  Jules

7 comments:

Wendy V said...

Do we have to have Johnny's blood type to do directed platelet donations? Does it have to be done at TX Children's?

Trish said...

Julie,

I've got my appt. tomorrow at Sugar Land for a split platelet. If I'm a good match for him, lemme know cuz I have a really high count.

Love y'all
Trish
trishbower@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Hey Julie,

I donated blood in July so I'm not eligible until September. I'll do it as soon as I can. I'll keep praying for all of you guys. Johnny keep fighting!!!

Love,

Brenda Cantu

Justin said...

You do not know me and I only know you from your blogs. You are Amazing!! I am a surfer who checks Gtown web site and found your story. Johnny is blessed to have parents like you. You inspire me to be a better father. Reading you blogs has made my cry, pray, and do something (get off my butt). I have never donated blood, but I called the hospital to find out where and how I can donate blood. I will pray for your family tonight at church. Give your son a huge and God bless.

Justin Scott

Anonymous said...

Johnny,

You can do it, I have no doubt. I saw where someone said stubborn and if that's what it takes, be stubborn, hard headed, bull headed and anything else it takes to fight this stuff. I know as a skater you have taken some hard licks and this is one more, just a bit scarier. We continually pray for you and I know there are so many praying that you will come through this with flying colors.

Take care and love and prayers to all,
Brenda

Anonymous said...

Ok Johnny, you will be feeling better in no time. Wes Wehr and I will be donating blood and platelets for you tomorrow. So when you start craving sea food, specifically crab, you'll know that it's mine you're receiving. When you start craving Bud Light, you will know you have reveived Wes's.

I know you are in that 20-30 precent that will be in remission!

I truly beleive in the power of prayer, and from the looks of it you have tons of people praying for you!

May God bless you and yours!

Hugs tight,
Christina Miller-Nichols

Anonymous said...

Johnny...
I'll be sure to send your mom the picture of Jacob's dad donating this Friday! Since I can't donate again until September, I passed the buck to Josh (Jacob's dad)! He's such a whimp...I'm sure that he'll get light headed and possibly faint! I may even bring the camcorder in and youtube it! That will be some funny stuff! Between me and a few other Romano Running Rebels we have about 15 folks heading to the Blood Center before Friday to give everything we can for ya dude! Jacob and I are hitting up a few local hangouts of ours tomorrow to encourage them to donate....I think I may need to look for a some fangs...I feel like such a vampire...COOL!

Coach Holly