Nolan

WILLIAMSPORT – A blood drive sponsored by Hayden’s Heart INC, Ellie’s Heart Foundation and Nolan – Heart of Steel will be held Saturday, October 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Genetti Hotel & Suites, Williamsport.

“‘Hosting blood drives is such a crucial part of Hayden’s Heart INC,” said Ady Dorsett, mother of Hayden and founder of the foundation that bears his name. “When Hayden was alive, he received three blood transfusions while inpatient as well as was on a machine called ECMO that was basically a constant blood transfusion, equalling close to 20 transfusions. I knew that after Hayden died we had to find a way to give back to the blood bank in his honor and memory. This is our third drive, our first in Williamsport, and I am thrilled to be partnering with two other heart organizations to team up and make a larger impact on the amount of pints we are able to donate together to the Red Cross.”

Nolan’s mother, Corinne McLaughlin from Muncy adds, “I have always donated blood since college, but donating now means so much more to me. My son, Nolan McLaughlin, received a heart transplant January 24, 2014. The multiple blood transfusions he received while waiting for his new heart was a crucial part to keeping him alive. Donating blood is easy and important in ensuring our nation’s blood supply stays consistent. It is very powerful to know that 45 minutes of your day can help up three people!”??”I was excited to be approached by Ady Dorsett who had the idea of teaming with Ellie’s Heart Foundation and Nolan – Heart of Steel to sponsor a blood drive,” said Jennifer Ayers, mother of Ellie. “I feel a very close connection with these two heart moms. All three of our children benefited from donated blood. By hosting this drive I am hoping that we can bring even more awareness to pediatric cardiomyopathy (a chronic disease of the heart muscle) which struck Ellie and Nolan and congenital heart disease which struck Hayden.”

Blood donors must be healthy, at least 17 years old, and weigh at least 110 pounds.

To make an appointment in advance, please visit www.redcross.org/ and click on Donate Blood and use haydensheart as the code.

Hayden

For more information on the blood drive, visit haydensheart.org.

Ellie