•September 12, 2018•

The Sullivan Church of God, Sullivan American Legion and the American Red Cross will host an Honor Blood Drive for River Helmuth, daughter of Tony and Stephanie Helmuth of Sullivan. The drive will be at the Sullivan Legion Saturday September 15 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Stephanie recently described the last two years of their lives since the birth of their daughter River. “Over the last two years our family has been reminded of the importance of blood donation time and time again. At the age of two and one-half months our daughter River was put on life support. Her body was breaking down, and she was fighting hard. However, it was not until she received blood products and her first transfusion that she began to stabilize. She received four units of blood over three days. Then on April 25, 2016 at four months old she was in heart failure and was taken to the operating room for an open chest surgery to help stabilize her again. During this surgery blood product was again used and she was then given two more units over the next three days to help her little body fight. At 17 months she underwent her first full open heart surgery. During her heart repair several units of fresh whole blood were used while she was on a heart lung bypass machine to sustain her while they operated.
“It is during these past years that I realized I had not even donated in the last 10 years enough blood to even come close to what River needed in those 12 months. My child was being saved by other people’s generosity and giving. And I know without these blood drives we would have been lost.
“So in honor of River’s survival and strength and as a reminder to the importance of giving blood, we are holding our second annual honor blood drive. River is O+ which is a very much sought after blood. I am challenging all of our friends, family and community who match to give blood on Sept 15. I am asking and pleading with all eligible donors that you come and give blood.
“Maybe it has been 10 years? Maybe you are afraid? Maybe you have never given? Well, this is the time. I will be there, and I will hold your hand if you want. We will have lots of yummy food, some great giveaways, and I am working out a good prize too. And everyone will get a special River thank you if you come try to give blood.
“So mark it on the calendar, set up an appointment so we can have plenty of help on hand, and then show up and give life. I hope to see you all there.”
Blood drive coordinator Jeri Davis of Sullivan also knows the importance of receiving blood. During an illness some 18 years ago, she was given eight units of blood which saved her life. Being a blood drive coordinator is a passion for her and many of the people who come and assist with the drives and donate blood. Over her five years as drive coordinator, she has helped collect nearly 2,000 units of blood. This means the difference between life and death for nearly 6,000 people in need, as every unit collected can benefit more than three patients.
To make an appointment to donate, call Davis at 217-273-9456 or go to redcrossblood.org to make an appointment on your own. Donors must have a current ID with a photo on it. Donors are encouraged to use rapid pass at The Red Cross website to decrease their wait time at this drive. Walk-ins are more than welcome, but having an appointment will ensure proper staffing from Red Cross and decrease wait time.