June 21, 2000
Page
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Baby with terminal cancer holds
on thanks to Red Cross donors
CONTRIBUTED STOBV
For 22-month-old Trent Sims, blood transfusions are away o f life. Trent has
Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia (AML), a rare form o f cancer and needs regular
transfusions to help prevent and treat complications related to his condition.
Unfortunately, a nationwide blood shortage is making it difficult for American
Red Cross to meet the needs ofpatients like Trent, who must have transfusions
to stay alive.
It it weren’t for blood donors, this beautiful baby would not be here,” said his
mother, Octavia McKinney. "The cancer has taken over his blood and marrow.
Without the blood and blood products he receives through the American Red
Cross, his twin sister Hannah wouldn’t have been able to get to know him and
make memories with him.”
“Trent’s birthday is on July 8, but w e’re not sure he’ll be with us for that long,”
said his mother. American Red Cross will host an early birthday party forTrent
and Hannah and a celebration for all children who have received blood
transfusions, Sunday, June 25,h from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Portland Center.
The party is for all children who have received blood transfusions and their
families. The community is invited to participate in this special celebration and
in a blood drive from 11 am. to 4:30 pm. where healthy adults may give the gift
oflife in honorofchildren likeTrent Sims. The Portland DonorCenteris located
at 3131 N. Vancouver A ve. in Portland. “W e’ 11 be celebrating Red Cross blood
donors that day, too,” said Octavia, “because they’ve already given him a
present - they made it possible for him to get even this far in life."
I rent has been hospitalized for more than five months, and his family knows
his cancer is terminal. Still, they continue to hope for a miracle. Until then, T rent
spends nine hours each day in a hematology clinic at Doembecher Children’s
Hospital and receives at least three transfusions each week.
The Red Cross issued a Yellow Alert on June 12 because blood supplies are
much lower than optimal levels, while transfusion rates have increased. Across
the nation, the demand for blood and blood products has skyrocketed, and
eight o f Red Cross’ 36 blood regions have gone on appeal, asking donors to
help meet the needs o f trauma, cancer and accident victims. “We know there’s
a blood shortage right now, and we want to help in any way we can to let people
know that lives are saved with every donation,” said Octavia.
"1 know it 'a not always easy to find time to come in and donate, especially when
people get busy with summer activities,” says Octavia. “But our family, Trent’s
brother and sisters, and all the people whose lives he’s touched will be forever
grateful to people who give blood. We may not have much time left with Trent,
but we appreciate every moment o f his life.”
Donors must be 17 or older, weigh at least 105 pounds and be in good general
health. Please call 503/284-4040 or 1-800-GIVE-LIFEformoreinformationorto
schedule an appointment at a blood drive near you.
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