Blood Donations

As you know, Stella is responding well to her medication so far.  However, one of the side effects of the medication (and the disease) is low blood counts.  This is often remedied by a blood transfusion.  Since Stella's diagnosis over a month ago, she has needed four blood transfusions due to low blood counts.   She always feels better after a transfusion.   We have been relying on the blood from NYU Medical Center, which is safe and clean.  A transfusion could be from multiple donors, although we are told that it is best when it comes from a single donor.

Many of you have inquired about how to donate blood specifically for Stella.  

We have learned that blood donations can indeed be directed and banked for Stella's future transfusions at NYU.  (Unfortunately, no one in her immediate family can donate blood.  Should she need a bone marrow transplant down the road, we would be the most likely matches, and there would be a higher risk of rejection if she had received our blood.)   

If you are interested in donating blood for Stella, please call (212) 263-5440 to schedule an appointment.  The blood bank is located at 530 First Avenue at 30th Street, Room 102 on the first floor.

Please make sure you specify that you want to make a donation for Estella Kirszner when you make the appointment and when you actually make the donation.

ALSO, Stella's doctor is Dr. William Carroll.  You may need to provide this information at your appointment.

Stella's blood type is AB positive - the universal recipient - so any blood type can donate.  

You will not be able to donate blood if you: 

• have traveled recently to an area prone to malaria (the staff at the blood bank can provide the list of countries when you call.)
  
• have had a tattoo in the past twelve months.
• are taking medication for hair growth.

A donation for Stella would be a wonderful gift.  At the end of Stella's treatment, any unused blood would go into the bank to be used for other patients, which we know firsthand does save lives.