Local Church hosts blood drive to support pastor's daughter

July 5, 2011 - PRLog -- South Windsor: On Saturday, July 16, 2011 Our Savior Lutheran Church at 239 Graham Road in South Windsor, CT, will be hosting a blood drive from 8:00 am to 1:00 p.m. The blood drive is in support of Mia Pekari, the 5 year old daughter of Pastor Randall and Jessemyn Pekari. Mia has a rare blood disease called beta thalassemia. Treatment for beta thalassemia often involves regular blood transfusions.
Mia is one of many children adopted in the last few years by families from the congregation. With more than 147 million children in need of loving families, Pastor Randall challenged his congregation to take care of God’s children reminding them of Bible references stressing the importance of caring for orphans. The response from the congregation was immediate and remains strong. In three years, Congregants have adopted eight children from China, Ethiopia, Latvia and Connecticut. At least 4 more children will have families by next spring as additional couples have filed paperwork for both international and domestic adoption.  They have also funded the building of an orphan rescue center in Harambee, Kenya and sponsored the education and medical care for several youth in Africa.
Others, unable to adopt, give support to the newly adoptive parents through prayer, finances and advice. According to Pastor Randall “Many say these children are "lucky."  The truth is we are the ones who are blessed.  Their courage is inspiring and they have so much to give and teach all who will listen.  Loving these special kids and helping them to heal is truly a privilege”.
Mia has her transfusions at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.  According to Dr. Nathan Hagstrom, Director and Division Head of Hematology/Oncology at CT Children's Medical Center, many of his patient’s rely on blood transfusions for their survivial. Trauma patients, cancer patients, sickle cell and other anemia patients rely on blood transfusions. “Red cells, platelets and plasma are all blood products we need and cannot manufacture” said Dr. Hagstrom. “It’s critical that people donate blood regularly so we have a stable blood supply”. It’s estimated that every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood. That requires more than 38,000 blood donations every day to meet that demand.
To support children like Mia and many others whose lives depend on blood donations, please consider donating.  Although walk-ins are welcome, appointments are encouraged by calling Heidi at 860-394-9371 for the Our Savior Lutheran drive in South Windsor or the Red Cross at 800-733-2767.

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For information regarding Our Sarvior Lutheran Church visit their website at www.oursaviorct.org or call 860-644-3350.