Over the past week many of us have been having a fun time with the (now safe) "red dog". This next issue is even more serious. You may be someone or at the least know someone that can make a big difference in someone's life today. And that's no small task.
As many of you know when it comes to kids, I have a difficult time understanding why certain things happen. This is one of those situations and here's an opportunity for all of us to reach out to our extended list of friends and make a difference. Of course your list will be much bigger than mine.
Andrew Whisman is an 11 year old local boy in desperate need of AB positive blood. Andrew contracted an E-Coli bacterium and his organs are being viciously attacked. He's been hospitalized since March 25th. The bacteria is now in his blood stream and his kidneys and pancreas have been shutting down. This morning they had to put him on morphine to help deal with the pain.
Andrew undergoes dialysis daily to clean out the bacteria, but is in desperate need of blood transfusions. Needless to say, he also has a rare type of blood AB+. There is a shortage of this blood type in Florida and they have to fly AB+ blood in from other states. Currently there are 3 other patients in the state with similar needs.
Andrew is receiving 9 pints of plasma a day and 2 pints of whole blood. This treatment is being aggressively used to remove the bacteria from his system. As a result of the bacteria he has contracted Pancreaitis and Colitis. His kidneys are working at about a 15% level. He also has fluid on the lungs as a result of the bacteria and fluid build up in the system. The doctors are saying that Andrew will probably be in the hospital for another month. He's been stabilized and doctors are working on each organ as the bacteria moves through his system. He desperately needs the AB Positive blood donations. Please keep him in your prayers.”
11 years old is too young to go through this. If you have a Facebook page, consider posting. If you have an e-mail list, consider forwarding. If you have a relative with AB positive blood, consider calling. If you have AB positive blood and are willing to help Andrew the family is asking if you'll consider making arrangements by calling North Community Hospital in downtown Naples at 239-436-5455. Today may be your day to save a life.
