Red Cross blood donations help Pennsylvania sisters live life to the fullest

By: Nicole Roschella

Every day, Red Cross blood donors help patients of all ages: accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those battling cancer and chronic diseases. A pair of sisters from northeastern Pennsylvania have been on the receiving end of those lifesaving donations countless times.

Jill Deitrick adopted her daughters, Madison, 13, and MaeLeigh, 12, from China, knowing they had beta thalassemia major, a genetic blood disorder that disproportionately affects those of Asian descent. People with beta thalassemia major do not produce enough hemoglobin, an oxygen-carrying protein, causing fewer red blood cells to exist in the body than normal.

Madison and MaeLeigh rely on blood transfusions every three weeks to keep them healthy and active. They have received more than 500 units of blood between the two of them.

“The Red Cross is so important to our lives,” Deitrick said. "If we didn’t have the Red Cross and the blood from donors... I can’t imagine.”

Without blood transfusions, individuals with beta thalassemia major can suffer from severe fatigue, weakness and slow growth. Madison and MaeLeigh both enjoy staying active and playing volleyball on traveling teams. 

“Regular blood transfusions make it possible for them to do all the activities they want to do. It gives them energy,” Deitrick said.

Madison, Deitrick’s oldest daughter, also enjoys being part of her school's drama club and sound crew.

“She likes watching YouTube videos and is very creative and funny, with a dry sense of humor,” Deitrick said. “MaeLeigh is a bundle of energy. When she’s having a good day, she’s the best antidepressant around!”

When you think of donating blood to the Red Cross, Deitrick wants you to think of the people you could potentially help.

“When you donate, you are not only helping individuals in emergency or surgical situations, but you are also saving the lives of children and adults living with blood disorders,” Deitrick said. “My daughters have endured more IV starts and port accesses than most adults.”

Madison and MaeLeigh’s continual need for blood transfusions motivated their family to host blood drives in their Bradford County community. To date, eight Red Cross blood drives held in their honor have collected approximately 270 units of blood, potentially saving more than 800 lives.

   

“While it may not be your favorite way to spend an hour, think of those children who may be spending an entire day in the hospital, receiving blood every 21 days,” Deitrick said. “The minor inconvenience to blood donors pales in comparison to the gift they’re giving.”

When asked what they would say to generous Red Cross blood donors, Madison and MaeLeigh’s response was simple.

“Thank you,” they said.

April is National Minority Health Month — a time to raise awareness about health disparities that disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minority populations. To help ensure all patients have access to the blood products they count on, donors are urged to make an appointment by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).