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9/11 Memorial Blood Drive

By Holly Ames

Blood donations are needed every single day, not just when disaster strikes. 9/11 Memorial Blood Drive

Published: Mon, September 10, 2007 - 2:08 pm Last Updated: Tue, September 11, 2007 - 1:38 pm

September 11th is a day to remember the men and women who died on 9/11 six years ago. Following the attacks, the people of America united and reached out to each other offering help and hope. Many lined up to donate blood. There's a need for blood every day, not just when disaster strikes. Many times the people who need it are children.

Colette Pate is just 4 years old. In May of 2005 she was diagnosed with neuroblastoma stage 4. Her mother Tammy says blood donations helped her little girl fight back. She has been cancer free for a year thanks in part to the many people who have given the gift of life.

Tammy Pate says, "Colette didn't receive blood after a natural disaster or anything you heard on the news. She needed blood on just a typical normal average day and thankfully there are people who keep the Red Cross in the front of their to do list and they continue to come back and give blood."

Colette like to thank those people herself. In fact, if you decide to give blood, don't be surprised if you hear a little voice offering a few words of support. She and her mom have been known to stop by local blood drives to visit. Colette says, "I tell them don't be nervous and they'll say okay."

Colette and her mom stay involved because a lot of people may not realize that kids often need blood products too. "People probably think about adults needing blood, but children can't ask so that's why I would like to ask as a parent. Please give blood for our children."

The American Red Cross and WKRG would like to invite you to join us September 11th in honoring the victims of 9/11 and replenish a blood supply that saves the lives of people of all ages. The 9/11 Memorial Blood Drive will be September 11th from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Daphne Civic Center and Colonial Mall Bel Air in Mobile.

We hope to see you there.