A blood drive will be held in honor of Stella Turnbull at the FCC building of the Lynnville Friends Church on Monday, Nov. 28, from 2-7 p.m.
“We are thrilled to donate blood in her honor and hope there will be a huge turnout from the community as there is an urgent and critical need of most blood types currently,” said Julie Jones, family friend.
Nine-year-old Turnbull received 25 units of blood products just this September to keep her alive during a medical emergency. She was diagnosed with Type I SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy), a genetic neuromuscular disease that weakens the body’s muscles and muscle systems, including the ability to swallow, digest food, and breathe independently. Her family was warned at the hospital when she was born that she would have only live a few weeks or months, and she is now a bright nine-year-old. Sept. 21, Stella was air-flighted to Iowa City with pulmonary emboli, blood clots in her heart and lungs, and her kidneys and liver were failing. She was in extremely critical condition.
“We can’t express how thankful we are to the many blood donors who saved our sweet girl,” the family said. “Through all of this, Stella has been brave, tough, and courageous, showing us just what it means to be Stella Strong.”
To make an appointment to donate, call 1-800-287-4903, or contact Colleen Slaymaker or a member of the Lynnville Women’s Club, which is sponsoring the drive.
Please take a valid form of identification, such as your donor ID card or driver’s license. Walk-ins are welcome but will be taken after those who have scheduled appointments. The Blood Center will have a card at the blood drive for all donors to sign and will be given to Stella and her family stating “we were thinking of Stella and donated blood in her honor.”
