UPPER BURRELL, Pa. – As the lunchtime donors registered for Penn State New Kensington’s community blood drive on April 1, they were greeted by nine-year-old Isabella “Bella” Carabin-Lindgren, the beneficiary of the campus’ semiannual drive.
“I want to thank you for donating blood to me and helping me to get better,” said Bella, a fourth-grader at Mary Queen of Apostles School in New Kensington.
Bella was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma when she was 10 months old. Through rigorous treatments, including a stem cell transplant, chemotherapy and numerous blood transfusions, Bella had been in remission for eight years.
But, during a routine exam last year, doctors discovered that the disease had returned. After undergoing brain surgery, Bella began chemotherapy, and the treatments have continued at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. The campus blood drive helps replenish the supply used for Bella’s transfusions.
Bella was on campus to show her appreciation to students, faculty, staff, alumni and the community. She talked with donors and pantomimed with the Nittany Lion. She also showed off her dancing skills while doing the Macarena with the Lion. Those skills will come in handy in two years.
“When I get to sixth grade, I want to be a cheerleader for the Mary Queen of Apostles Knights,” said Bella as she flashed a huge smile. “And when I grow up, I want to be an artist and a nurse, and I want to make toys for dogs.”
Bella’s three favorite companions are her dogs, Precious, Fluffy and Max. Accompanied by her mother, Meredith Carabin, Bella showed donors pictures of Max. Carabin expressed her appreciation for the blood drive in honor of her daughter.
“Today was absolutely perfect and amazing,” said Carabin, a hospice nurse. “The Penn State New Kensington students and staff were so friendly, and we met some amazing people.”
The staff of the Central Blood Bank collected enough blood and platelets to serve 63 patients. Donors had a choice of donating using either the whole blood or apheresis methods. Both methods draw approximately a pint of fluid from the donors. The whole blood method is the typical method where the blood is drawn manually, collected in a pint bag and stored unprocessed. It is later separated into red blood cells and plasma. The apheresis method draws blood from the donor, separates it using a centrifuge or a filter, stores the desired part, platelets in this case, and returns the rest to the donor. This process is done with a machine specifically designed for this purpose.
The New Kensington campus has a strong history of giving back to the community. In the past 10 years, the campus has donated 900 units of blood for use in the local area. Blood drives are held during the spring and fall semesters.
Elaine Zarichnak, the campus nurse, organized the blood drive, and recruited student volunteers. Members of the Outdoor and Adventure Club sold “Bella’s Warriors” T-shirts and “Team Bella” wrist bands. The revenue was donated to Bella’s wellness fund.
“The blood drives that we hold on campus are always successful, but the fact that we are sponsoring Bella makes this drive special,” Zarichnak said. “We have the opportunity to help a local child by replenishing the community blood supply from which Bella receives her transfusions.”
Bella’s situation was familiar to many campus students, especially those involved with THON, the Penn State student-run organization that raises money for the Four Diamonds Fund and the fight against pediatric cancer. Formally known as the Penn State Interfraternity Council/ Panhellenic Dance Marathon, THON takes place in February. Students from all Penn State campuses gather at the Bryce Jordan Center on the University Park campus and stay on their feet for 46 hours to support the families of children battling cancer and to raise funds for cancer research.
“This year Penn State New Kensington students collected over $28,000 for THON in support of finding the cure for childhood cancer,” Zarichnak said. “That caring mentality has carried over to our blood drive.”
Although the blood drive at Penn State New Kensington was a one-day event, there are still opportunities for donors to help Bella with her battle. Anyone wishing to donate on her behalf can visit a Central Blood Bank location and use Bella’s blood bank account number, ZRTN 0069. Central Blood Bank has 25 donor centers and fixed sites throughout western Pennsylvania, including locations in Natrona Heights, Monroeville and downtown Pittsburgh.
Donors are eligible again in 56 days after giving, so they do not have to wait until the campus’ fall drive to donate again.
“Blood is made to circulate, so roll up a sleeve and pass it on,” Zarichnak said.
For photos of the blood drive, visit http://psnk.smugmug.com/
For more information on donating at the Central Blood Bank, visit http://www.centralbloodbank.org/donate-blood
Ewing's SarcomaEwing's sarcoma is a primary bone cancer that affects mainly children and adolescents. According to the American Cancer Society, it's the second most common bone cancer in children, but it's also rare, accounting for only one percent of all childhood cancers. Although it can occur at any age, it seldom occurs in adults over the age of 30. According to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, about 70 percent of children with Ewing's sarcoma are cured.
Regina Cherish, a senior communications major and intern in the Public Relations office, contributed to the story.