Joshua Jackson Blood Drive Held
On Thursday, July 19, the American Red Cross of Union County hosted a blood drive at Weddington United Methodist Church in honor of Joshua Jackson, a rising sixth grader diagnosed with a form of lymphoma known as Hodgkin’s disease. Joshua’s dad, Rob Jackson, serves on the Board of Directors for the local chapter of the Red Cross and is the Principal of Parkwood High School.
Joshua was originally diagnosed on April 17, 2007 after his father found a strange lump on Joshua’s neck. Doctors ran some tests, and discovered that young Joshua had lymphoma. His journey since then has included many rounds of chemotherapy, none of which hampered the 11 year old’s spirits. He was excited at the blood drive on Thursday, where he and his little brother Elijah walked around making sure the nurses and donors were happy and comfortable and thanking everyone for coming out to help save lives with their blood donation. Joshua’s family and friends sported Team Joshua tee shirts during the drive, and were glowing examples of how one family gave back to the community even during difficult times.
The drive began at 3pm, and quickly became a huge success. The original goal of 50 donors was fast surpassed when it became obvious the community was there to help. American Red Cross Board members worked hand in hand with church members, ensuring that the food supply in the canteen was well stocked. The chapter’s Board of Directors sponsored this drive in honor of Joshua and fellow board member, Rob. “It was a great day,” states Board Chair, Michele Sarno. “The volunteer leadership of the Union County chapter thanks everyone who came out to support the Jackson Family and the Blood Donation program. Giving blood is so important and can save many lives.”
“July 19th was Day 100 of Joshua’s journey counting from Tuesday, April 10th when I found the lump on his neck. Joshua, Elijah, and I had set a personal goal of 100 donors to represent every day of Joshua’s journey,” stated Rob Jackson. “The last donor to sign in was number 100! At the drives completion, Board Chair, Michelle Sarno, announced that the Red Cross had received 77 productive units! The Drive was so successful because of all who gave, whether that was blood, or time volunteering, or refreshments.”
Thanks to everyone who came out in some way to support the blood drive, and the Red Cross hopes to continue its success at all future blood drives, with the next one occurring on Friday, July 27 at the Agricultural Conference Center from 3:00pm to 7:30pm, and at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints from 4:00pm to 8:30pm.
For more information on the American Red Cross of Union County or to get a calendar of upcoming blood drives, please contact the chapter at 704-283-7402 for Union County or 704-694-3514 for Anson County, or log-on to www.unioncountyredcross.org. To learn more about Joshua, log-on to www.caringbridge.org/visit/joshuajackson1.
