Six-year-old Anthony likes to play with toys and run around like any other kid of his age. He is also a fighter and a survivor.
In 2019, Anthony was diagnosed with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a rare blood disorder in which the blood does not clot normally. This can cause excessive bruising and bleeding. Due to his condition, Anthony receives platelet transfusions once a week.
He also battled leukemia, receiving 19 rounds of chemotherapy treatment. He has been cancer free for a year.
“My son is a fighter. He fought hard and won,” says his mom, Kelly.
Soon after learning about Anthony’s ITP diagnosis, Kelly, began organizing blood drives to give back and to help others in need of blood and platelets like her son.
For the last three years, Kelly and Anthony’s brothers have been partnering with the American Red Cross to hold an annual Blood Drive in Honor of Anthony, collecting a total of 116 units of blood.
The need for blood is constant, and by giving blood you are making a difference in the lives of patients like Anthony.
If you are eligible and healthy, we encourage you to make an appointment to donate blood. Visit redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment in the days, weeks and months to come at a blood drive near you.
Written by Isis Chaverri, Regional Development Communications Manager.
American Red Cross of Illinois 
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