Blood Drive, Bone Marrow Registry Set For Imperial Beach Boy

News from the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive in conjunction with a bone marrow registry in honor of a local Imperial Beach boy battling a rare genetic disorder at Imperial Beach Park on Sat. Jan 30.

Six-year-old Krystopher Paldi suffers from IPEX Syndrome, a rare blood cancer that affects his immune system. There are less than 40 afflicted with this disease in the country.

If his body can produce the proper antibodies after a bone marrow transplant he has a chance at leading a healthy life. His family is hopeful that his second transplant will be successful. Blood donors will have the opportunity to join the bone marrow registry in the hopes of finding a suitable donor.

Krystopher Paldi Blood Drive

January 30 from 12 to 5 p.m. at the Imperial Beach Sports Park

425 Imperial Beach Blvd, Imperial Beach, CA 91932

Blood donated at the Krystopher Paldi Blood Drive can help patients of all ages in need, including cancer patients, accident victims, premature babies and others. The Red Cross urges eligible blood donors to roll up a sleeve and give help those in need. Recent winter storms have forced the cancellation of more than 700 blood drives throughout the country. Blood donors with types O negative, B negative and A negative are especially needed.

To schedule an appointment to give at the Krystopher Paldi Blood Drive, call 1-800-RED CROSS or visitredcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: Paldi.

How to donate blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code Cards to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.

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