Photo by Jeri Davis
Above a healthier looking 18-month-old River Helmuth sits on father Troy’s lap as he gives blood during the Sept. 16 Honor Blood Drive held on her behalf.

•September 20, 2017•

Sullivan blood donors turned out in force at the American Legion in Sullivan Saturday, Sept. 16 as the Sullivan Church of God partnered with Red Cross for an honor drive benefiting River Helmuth with 96 units collected.

River is the 18-month-old daughter of Tony and Stephanie Helmuth of Sullivan. She was born with medical issues requiring several transfusions to survive.

“River’s parents contacted me about doing an honor drive in River’s name,” Red Cross coordinator Jeri Davis began. “I spent about four months total planning and coordinating this first honor drive I have hosted in my four years of being a Red Cross volunteer.”

More than 100 people attempted to donate Saturday, with 96 units collected. Every unit collected can help up to three separate people so it is possible 288 people may have been saved with the 96 units.         Login or Subscribe to read the rest of this story.