Hometown Rankin - June & July 2017

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