Summer can be a busy time of year with family vacations, pool parties and other fun activities. But patients like 6-year-old Joshua Dri, of Cumming, Georgia, don’t get a summer vacation from needing blood. He’s counting on the generosity of Red Cross blood donors to continue donating through the summer, so he can enjoy the fun of being a little boy.
Bravery Comes in Small Packages
It ‘s hard to tell Joshua struggles with a blood disorder just by looking at him. He’s happy, energetic and has a smile that would make any heart melt. Joshua is also proof that bravery can come in small packages — he even has a t-shirt to prove it!
Joshua lives with Thalassemia and must undergo blood transfusions every three to four weeks. Going in and out of the hospital is difficult for a child, but Joshua keeps his positive spirit. His parents couldn’t be more grateful for the generosity of others.
“Blood donors play a significant role in our family’s life. Every time a unit of blood is hooked up to his IV, I think about the person who donated it and how they have no idea what a difference they made by taking the time out of their day to donate,” said Joshua’s mother Alison Dri. “Blood donors are truly heroes and lifesavers. We are profoundly aware of this as we watch our son grow and thrive.”
How to donate blood
The American Red Cross urges donors to choose their day to give hope to patients in need by donating blood or platelets during the “100 days of summer. 100 days of hope.” campaign, officially sponsored by Suburban Propane.
Interested in helping out patients like Joshua? Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information.
Read more about our summer campaign and donating blood on redcross.org.