As the heat intensifies, so does the need for blood donations in the Valley.
These donations help children like Adelyn, 18 months old, who received her 22nd blood transfusion at the Phoenix Children's Hospital on Tuesday.
The toddler, who lives in Ahwatukee, was born with Diamond Blackfan Anemia; she's unable to produce red blood cells so blood donations, which she receives on a monthly basis, are a necessity, and it's a need that may be required for the rest of her life.
“For now, it’s transfusions every three to four weeks for as long as she lives, she is very reliant on that blood,” said Matt Troutman, Adelyn's father.
United Blood Services officials said donations of blood decline beginning Memorial Day and are low through the summer vacation season. At Phoenix Children's Hospital, 1,000 blood transfusions are needed on a monthly basis.
With the demand being so strong, and lifesaving, United Blood Services is ramping up their efforts to gather more blood.
Information on how to donate blood can befound hereor by calling 1-877-UBS-HERO.
To thank those who donate, free dessert from Pizza Hut will be given to blood donors from May 26 through June 2; all summer long, those who donate will be entered to win a 2017 VW Passat R-Line.
