October is Down syndrome Awareness Month and I want to start the month off right by making you aware of an amazing young woman-
My sister, April Joy Meyers
Today April achieved her goal of donating 1 gallon of blood. Over the last few years she has been dedicated to the cause and frequently donates. But today…
Today is a day to celebrate – Today is a day to recognize her gift of life – Today we applaud her accomplishment
What is amazing to me is that this has always been her choice – my 23-year-old sister with Down syndrome wants to help others through blood donation. She does this in a way many people can’t. Down syndrome doesn’t exclude you from donation. Fear of needles can. Anemia can. Down syndrome alone can not.
Some say people with Down syndrome are stubborn. Let’s call it true determination – and determined, goal-oriented adults change lives. Like April.
You can read more about April’s blood donation journey on my mom’s blog: http://aprilanecdotes.wordpress.com/
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Did April encounter any problems as far as being told that she couldn’t donate because she has Down Syndrome? If so, how did she get past that obstacle?
April had no problems. Trisomy 21 isn’t on the list of exclusions for donation.
Interesting…my student was turned away at a blood drive at our school and we were shown a book that had Down Syndrome listed under exclusions.
She donates through Hoxworth. The Red Cross does not exclude Trisomy 21 for blood donation. Marrow and organ donation may be different…Haven’t looked into that yet: http://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood/eligibility-requirements/eligibility-criteria-topic#med_cond
thank you Sister for bloging about me I love you so much I love reading it alot you made my days so happy.