Youngsville, PA – The Community Blood Bank of Northwestern PA and Western NY is set to host two blood drives in honor of Avery Dalrymple, a young girl whose life was saved after a serious traffic accident in Warren County several weeks ago thanks in part to donated blood.
Avery required emergency care and multiple surgeries following the crash. During treatment, she received over 13 units of blood.
Her family said the response from bystanders, first responders and medical teams made a critical difference.
“We are so thankful for everyone who has helped us, from the people who were there near the accident when it happened, keeping her awake, to the EMTs, the doctors, and everyone at Warren General Hospital who worked to get Avery ready for coming to Childrens’, and all the people who donated blood before,” said Cody, Avery’s father.
Cody said that thanks to the help, support and prayers from the community, Avery is continuing to recover. Although she is facing an uphill battle, Cody says that her doctors and nurses say she is making large strides.
Photo courtesy of Cody Darlrymple
Megan Solensky with the Community Blood Bank said situations like Avery’s show why maintaining a steady blood supply is so important.
“Blood donations are so critical. Just one person donating can save up to three lives. After what happened to Avery and their experiences, both of her parents reached out to us and asked us how they could help. So we worked together to put two blood drives on in the area. One will be happening Friday, February 13th in Youngsville, PA and the other on Saturday the 14th at our fixed site in Erie,” Solensky said.
“You hope that you will never have to be on the receiving end of it, but if you are, like us, this was a blessing,” Cody Darlrymple added. “Avery wouldn’t be here without it. She lost a lot of blood coming down here.”
The first blood drive in Avery’s honor will be on Friday, February 13th from 1:00PM to 6:00PM at the Free Methodist Church, 179 Davis St., in Youngsville. The second drive will take place Saturday, February 14th from 9:00AM until 12:30PM at the Community Blood Bank, 2646 Peach St., in Erie.
The blood collected at these drives will not go directly to Avery, but will help patients across the region who face similar medical emergencies and are relying on donated blood.
Organizers say appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins will be accepted at both locations.