January is National Blood Donor Month and the Petersen family of Walnut is among those celebrating blood donors. Following a diagnosis of botryoid rhabdomyosarcoma (bot´re-oid rhab·do·myo·sar·co·ma) in September 2011, young Noah Petersen relied on blood transfusions to sustain him during chemotherapy treatments. The blood transfusions helped to keep Noah’s hemoglobin levels stable, and he now enjoys farming, trucks, tractors and riding four-wheel off road machines.

Noah Petersen

Noah’s parents are Kevin and Carrie Petersen, of Walnut. Carrie Petersen says “It was such a blessing not to have to worry about Noah when we found out his blood counts were low.” The family is thankful for everyone who gives blood, which can be used for a variety of purposes, including therapies necessary prior to chemotherapy. The family hopes Noah’s story will encourage people to make a commitment to donate blood.

On Jan. 14th, the Elk Horn community blood drive will be dedicated in Noah’s honor in hopes of inspiring others to step up and become heroes to patients like Noah. The blood drive will be held from 11:30-a.m. to 5:30-p.m. at the Elk Horn Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall (4313 Main St.), in Elk Horn, IA. To make an appointment, call Ann White at 712-764-5888.

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. On average, the Red Cross must collect about 15,000 pints of blood every day to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,700 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country. Blood donations are used to treat cancer patients, trauma victims, premature babies, those living with chronic blood diseases and others every day — patients like Noah Petersen.

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information.