Sudbury MPP Jamie West is donating blood to support the Johns family, their baby daughter Olivia and her sister Kaylee, who need blood transfusions.
“I am very excited to be able to help save lives through blood donation,” said MPP West. “There are so many ways that you can help those in your community, and donating blood is one with immediate impact. My team and I are inviting Greater Sudbury residents to join us and make a lifesaving appointment.”
This past year Olivia Johns was diagnosed with Rhesus Alloimmunization. Since birth, Olivia has had blood work done twice a week, and has needed one blood transfusion, as she turned a month old.
Olivia is a growing, thriving little girl, strong like her big sister, Kaylee, who has needed six transfusions.
Due to mother Cassie's rare blood type, AB-, Olivia has become very anemic, and was diagnosed with Rhesus Alloimmunization. Olivia received four intrauterine blood transfusions this past summer, and was born in Sudbury at 36 weeks gestation.
“We’re anticipating Olivia being able to produce her own red blood cells, but until then, we depend on donor blood. We’re so grateful for donors, giving our daughters the gift of life,” said Cassie Johns.
Jamie West will be at Canadian Blood Services (944 Barrydowne Rd.) on Dec. 14 at 8:30 a.m. to make his donation. West will be hosting a blood donor clinic on Thursday and Friday of this week from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Book your lifesaving appointment by visiting blood.ca or calling 1-888-2DONATE.