Lily Dotson didn’t have a Golden Lasso or shielding Gauntlets to protect her when she was diagnosed with high risk lymphoblastic leukemia at the age of five. As a result, she endured more than 900 consecutive days of aggressive chemotherapy that depleted her tiny body of healthy cells and energy.
However, Lily did have the support of American Red Cross blood donors, who helped provide her with the strength she needed to fight cancer like WONDER WOMAN. In all she received 12 whole blood and 12 platelet transfusions to help fight back against her disease. Today, Lily is 13 years old, and although she’s fully recovered, memories of her hospital stays are still prominent.
“One time I was in my hospital room and I was feeling really crummy, bad and really weak and sick. After my blood (transfusion), I actually felt a lot better,” said Lily. “I feel like so many people have been impacted with cancer and not all of them survive it. Which makes me very lucky and so I’m thankful to be here.”
“It’s Lifesaving There’s No Doubt”
Lily’s mother, Susie Dotson was initially uninformed about the enormous role blood and platelet donors would play in helping her daughter beat cancer, but soon realized the blood products they shared were invaluable. “It’s lifesaving, there’s no doubt. Chemo is one thing, but if we didn’t have the blood donors there’s no way (cancer patients) could battle this,” said Dotson.
Not only do blood donors help save lives, they also help keep cancer patients connected to the people and hobbies that bring them joy during difficult times. At certain points, Lily received chemo three times a day and recalls how blood transfusion allowed her to continue enjoying one of her favorite activities.
“I did dance back then. When I was first diagnosed my legs and arms would hurt. After my (blood transfusions) I felt like a normal kid and could attend my dance classes,” says Lily.
Blood Donors Have a Lifesaving Superpower
When asked if she could have any superpower, Lily said she would love to “have the ability to cure anything”. Her experience as a blood recipient has motivated Lily and her family to spend their free time hosting blood drives in their community. She is a blood donor advocate and educates her peers on the importance of rolling up a sleeve to give.
Healthy and eligible blood donors can be a real-life superhero and save the day for patients in need. One blood donation helps to save more than one life and right now there is an urgent need.
If you are feeling well, please make an appointment to give by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
BLOOD DONATION DURING COVID-19
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arrival and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control public guidance.
Donors can save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
In most states, individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
WONDER WOMAN 1984 Fans Can Win a Movie Prop Replica Prize Set
The Red Cross invites WONDER WOMAN 1984 fans and donors to give blood, platelets and AB Elite plasma by July 31 and automatically be entered for a chance to win an epic WONDER WOMAN 1984 movie prop replica prize set, featuring The Golden Lasso and a pair of Gauntlets, identical to the ones worn by WONDER WOMAN.*
*Terms and conditions apply. Valid email address is required. Limit five (5) entries per presenting donor. Winner will be selected and notified via the email listed in their American Red Cross donor profile on or around Aug. 10, 2020. Offer is non-transferable and not redeemable for cash. Void where prohibited. Giveaway begins July 1, 2020 and ends July 31, 2020. Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. and its parents, affiliates and subsidiaries are not responsible for the promotion, administration or execution of this Giveaway.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Take a class and be ready to respond if an emergency strikes.
