Trinity United Methodist Church held a blood drive Tuesday, January 13 in honor of Miss Katelyn Hoffman. Though blood donations are always needed, many of the people who came out to donate had special incentive.

Katelyn is a six year old cancer survivor who needed platelets in the course of her medical treatment. Through her moving story of courage, she has impacted the lives of many. The ties she and her family have with the Bamberg community and the outpouring of public support led to this blood drive in her honor, and will serve to help others who need blood.

David Nivens Jr., a regular donor, gave blood to support Katelyn. When asked what brought him to the blood drive he said “The little girl… I was moved by her story.”

Jack Gerkin, who is also a regular donor, is a member of Trinity United Methodist Church where Katelyn is a member. “ I came down because I am a member of the church and I saw the article in the newspaper … I give whenever I can and this is a really good purpose.”

Sandra DeRienzo came to show her support for Katelyn and her family by donating. She grew up with Katelyn’s grandmother, Laura, and has known Katelyn “since she was a baby” and “felt like this was my way of doing something for her and hopefully it will benefit her.”

Kim Osborne, as a fellow church member and regular donor also showed her support for Katelyn and family with a blood donation. “I’m an O positive donor and I come every year.” She noted that she especially wanted to support Katelyn at this blood drive in her honor.

Harvey Kling, Executive Director of the Bamberg County Chapter of the American Red Cross, expressed his gratitude for the support for Katelyn’s blood drive and the response to her story of survival and courage.

Donors were welcomed and offered the chance to win door prizes and enjoy the many homemade deserts provided at the church.

Harriet Coker, South Carolina Blood Services Board of Directors Member, who works with the Bamberg County Red Cross Chapter emphasized the need for blood and platelet donations. “It is good to let people realize how important it is to have blood available for people who have cancer because it’s used frequently when their blood count goes down, and it’s just really important, and there has been a shortage.” Every donation is important. According to Coker “one unit of blood can save up to three lives, so it does make a difference.”

Becky Rawson, American Red Cross Donor Recruiter, emphasized the constant need for donor support. “We never, ever collect enough blood to supply the hospitals in our state. We have to rely on other regions throughout the country to help us with our blood supply, so we really encourage anyone who is eligible to donate. You have to be at least seventeen years of age, sixteen with parental permission. There is no upper age limit, as long as you are general good health. People with diabetes can donate if it is controlled by medication, and also with high blood pressure.”

Katelyn, along with her parents, were there to support donors and show their gratitude for the overwhelming response by the community and volunteers. With an infectious smile and much enthusiasm Katelyn expressed her many thanks to all who participated. “Thank you very much for everything in the newspaper and on TV Thank you!” Seeing Katelyn in person was all that was necessary to realize that anyone who participated likely received much more than they were able to give.

Her ability to inspire was evident in the record turnout. According to Coker, 45 units of blood were received from 61 total presenters, 15 of whom were first-time donors.

There are monthly blood drives at the Prince of Orange Mall in Orangeburg on the first Thursday of every other month, beginning Thursday, February 5th from 2-7 p.m.

Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School will also be holding a blood drive in February, as well as S.C. State College.

Anyone wishing to support the Bamberg Red Cross Chapter financially may also send donations to:

American Red Cross
Bamberg Chapter
P.O. Box 507
Bamberg S.C. 29003

American Red Cross Donor Recruiter Becky Rawson may be reached at 803-251-6132 to set up a blood drive at your location.