Fleetwood Area Middle School teacher, Mrs. Rebecca Peters, has a soon who was tragically diagnosed with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. This disease attacks the red blood cells, which help the kidneys function. Over the next three weeks, Max needs transfusions to help his body fight off the disease. Without past transfusions, Max’s body would have shut down.
“Fleetwood is being very helpful for Mrs. Peters. I hope things work out with her son,” senior Hannah Sell said.
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome is when abnormal red blood cells clog the kidneys, causing kidney failure. This disease usually starts in infants from two- to fourteen-days-old; however, anyone is able to get it from infection with a specific strain of E. coli. This comes from dirty pools or lakes with feces, or contaminated meat or produce. With the correct timing and treatment, the patient can come out healthy.
“Max is very lucky that the doctors found what was wrong so early on. Everyone coming together and donating blood will be saving a life,” Sell added.
The symptoms for Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome can include bloody diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, pale skin tone, fatigue and irritability, high fever, confusion, and blood in urine, as well as swelling of the face, hands, feet, or entire body.
“Those symptoms sound awful. I would hate to see my future child suffer through those terrible things. I truly hope that everyone is able to give a little to help save Mrs. Peters’ little boy, Max. I hope things pull through, and he gets better!” junior Pierre Richard said.
Before having blood taken for Mrs. Peters’ son, get to know your blood type! All blood types are needed for different types of patients. Donors having group AB blood are considered the universal plasma donors. Donors with O-Negative blood can also give blood to have the red blood cells transfused into someone in need.
“Giving blood is always helping someone. This will be very beneficial to those in need,” junior Megan Majewski said.
Giving blood can benefit cancer patients, premature babies, patients with internal bleeding, and accident victims. The plasma donation contributes to the burn victims, trauma patients, surgery patients, and bleeding disorder patients. Platelet donations benefit cancer patients, burn victims, open-heart surgery patients, and many more–including Mrs. Peters’ son.
“It is sad to think about who will need the blood donated, but it is nice to hear about how many people are willing to help out with the donations,” junior Nate Wolfe said.
Before giving a donation, you must eat and hydrate. You lose up to 2 Milligrams of salt during the experience. The total experience takes about forty-five minutes. Less than fifteen minutes is the actual donation time. The first step of your process is registering. You need a Miller-Keystone Blood Center Donor ID Card and a photo ID. Step two is getting a mini physical check. Step three is a health questionnaire about yourself. The fourth step is the donation itself. Last but not least, the fifth step is relaxing and replenishing with a snack and drink.
“I will be happily donating my blood to help out the ones in need! It is nice to be able to get a drink and snack afterwards so no one faints. I am excited to do my part to help someone in need of blood,” junior Maya Stern said.
After you donate, make sure to hydrate! Drink plenty of water and non-caffeinated drinks for the rest of the day. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities. A recheck of the mini physical will happen again to make sure you are well enough to be on your way back to class.
The Tiger Times 
Posted on February 18, 2016 by thetigertimes7
0