Hometown Rankin - June & July 2017
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Reunite<br />
for Life<br />
May 4<br />
On May 4, <strong>2017</strong>, Mississippi Blood Services celebrated their annual Reunite<br />
for Life event. This gathering of blood donors and patients celebrates life and<br />
embodies the importance of being a blood donor. During the event patients were<br />
able to meet some of the donors whose blood helped save their lives. This year’s<br />
honorees were four very special patients whose lifesaving treatments depended<br />
on volunteer blood donations.<br />
Chandler Norman was in an ATV accident in January 2016. Chandler sustained<br />
multiple injuries including a shattered left leg, torn femoral artery, fractured skull,<br />
broken jaw, and a lacerated liver and spleen. Chandler received more than 40 units<br />
of blood throughout his treatments, which included eleven different surgeries.<br />
Chandler ultimately lost his left leg above the knee, but thanks to volunteer blood<br />
donors, Chandler is wrapping up his junior year of high school and is back to<br />
doing the things he did before his accident.<br />
Josh Sexton was diagnosed with osteosarcoma of the right humerus in January<br />
2016. Due to the nature of his cancer, Josh underwent the amputation of his right<br />
arm, collar bone, and shoulder blade. Throughout his treatments, Josh needed<br />
several units of both whole blood and platelets. Now a healthy and active 9-year<br />
old, Josh want’s others to know just how important donating blood is.<br />
Blake Sebren was in a serious vehicle accident with his sister and girlfriend in<br />
March 2016. During the accident, Blake sustained several life threatening injuries<br />
including a crushed pelvis, and bruised kidneys and lungs. Blake lost his right<br />
kidney due to the damage from the impact. During his treatments, Blake used<br />
more than 75 units of platelets and whole blood. Although he still has more<br />
surgeries ahead of him, Blake is here today thanks to the kindness of those who<br />
selflessly donated blood.<br />
Nicole Jones is no stranger to the need for blood. In 2014 Nicole was diagnosed<br />
with TTP, a rare blood disease, and required hundreds of units of platelets to<br />
survive. In January of 2016 the unthinkable happened, and Nicole once again<br />
was diagnosed with TTP. Nicole needed AB platelets–nearly 200 units. MBS put<br />
out the call for help, and it was answered! MBS was able to get Nicole the<br />
lifesaving units she needed.<br />
40 • <strong>June</strong> <strong>2017</strong>