Star Wars-Themed Blood Drive Being Held in Honor of Edina Boy

A 7-year-old Edina boy born with a congenital heart defect will be the focus during a blood drive on Tuesday, April 30, at Our Lady of Grace.

George Lagerstrom underwent an extensive heart surgery last September at Children's Hospital in Philadelphia. Following that procedure, George experienced some complications and had to be connected to an Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) machine, which takes care of regular heart and lung functions as a heart recuperates.

As a result of excessive bleeding while connected to the ECMO, George's extremities suffered significant damage. He was forced to have his left hand amputated, along with partial amputation of his right hand and foot. Throughout his battle, George has required more than 120 pints of blood and blood products.

His parents, Julie and Ed Lagerstrom, said they've been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from the Edina community.

"Words cannot express how blessed we feel," Julie said. "We are so grateful for the generosity of the hundreds of blood donors who helped save George’s life and we feel strongly about giving back. I am reminded each day of the miraculous progress George has made because the doctors said that children with this much blood loss don’t usually make it to this point."

In honor of George—who also happens to be a huge Star Wars fan—Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church and the American Red Cross are hosting a blood drive on Tuesday, April 30. The drive runs from noon to 6 p.m. in Cassidy Hall, with special appearances by the 501st Legion, Lucasfilm's preferred imperial costuming group.

"This blood drive means the world to us and we hope it will help replace the blood that George has needed and help save someone else’s life," Julie said. "George is an amazing young boy and living proof that blood donations can help save lives."

George is currently recovering at the University of Minnesota Children’s Amplatz Hospital, where family members report he is regaining his strength every day. The Lagerstrom family is hopeful that George's heart will heal completely, but are also facing the likelihood that he will eventually need a heart transplant.

For additional information on George and events or fundraisers related to him, be sure to visit his CaringBridge page.

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