Just wanted to give everyone an update on the blood drive and on Finn. The blood drive was a huge success and we reached our goal of 50 pints! In total 52 pints were given at the Red Cross of GSO and 7 pints where given by friends and family elsewhere. We can't say thank you enough for everyone's support in helping us get to our goal and providing the much need blood donations to area hospitals.
We found out first hand yesterday just how precious donations are, when we went to UNC and Finn needed another transfusion. The hospital was having a shortage of blood because of the previous holiday, but they did eventually find a match for Finn. Holidays cause problems for blood banks because less people donate and more accidents occur. Less supply, more demand.
As I mentioned, Finn did end up getting a transfusion yesterday, but there were two big positives to takeaway from his levels (HGB 6.2, retics 7). First, this was the longest that Finn has been able to go between transfusions, 6 weeks!!! Second, his retics (or immature blood cells) had spiked, meaning that his body is trying to compensate for the low HGB. Hopefully, it will continue to do this and he will be able to find an equilibrium that can sustain him for longer periods of time between transfusions.
Craig and I just want to thank everyone again for the show of support and encouragement that we received last week. It truly was a huge part of what our family was thankful for on Thanksgiving!
Ps. now that the ARC has your number, they ain't never going to leave you alone! So we look forward to hearing from you on the many donations to come in the future!
Thanks!
Beau and Craig
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