Home / Health / Mom's Plea: Donate Blood for Congenital Heart Warrior
Mom's Plea: Donate Blood for Congenital Heart Warrior
14 Feb
Summary
- A Jacksonville mom advocates for blood donation during Congenital Heart Awareness Week.
- Her son Emmett, born with a heart defect, required life-saving surgery at two weeks old.
- Blood Center warns of perpetually low blood supply, urging community support.
Lisa Floyd, a Jacksonville mother, is championing blood donation for National Congenital Heart Awareness Week. Her son Emmett was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect, Common Arterial Trunk, the day after birth.
Emmett underwent life-saving surgery at just two weeks old. Due to his small size, blood products were essential for the procedure. He has since had additional surgeries and procedures, with his most recent in June of last year.
Floyd is an ambassador for The Healing Hearts Project, a support group assisting families with congenital heart failure in Northeast Florida. James Skahn from LifeSouth Community Blood Centers highlighted the perpetual need for blood donations.
The blood center ideally aims for a three-day supply but faces ongoing shortages. Skahn emphasized the importance of community participation in blood drives to maintain adequate levels for local hospitals.
