Give for Texans – Jaden’s Story
“If you had not donated, my son might not be here today.”
Doctors thought it was allergies at first.
In 2015, at the age of 6, Jaden Lowery’s right eye began excessively tearing up and swelling. Visits to multiple physicians and specialists provided multiple opinions: allergens, a blocked tear duct or perhaps nothing at all.
“As a nurse practitioner, I knew something was wrong,” said his mother, Tiffany.
Her determination led to an eye specialist who finally pinpointed a cancerous mass near young Jaden’s right orbital.
Diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma, Jaden began undergoing rounds of chemotherapy to fight the cancer. As part of the treatments, he received blood transfusions about every two months.
Transfusions are vital in battling lymphoma and other cancers. The disease and its treatment can impact a patient’s blood supply and their body’s production of blood cells. Transfusions replenish the patient’s blood and reduce side effects of aggressive chemotherapy treatments.
“Without the blood transfusions, Jaden’s life would have been in imminent danger,” said Tiffany. “To those donors who gave blood, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. If you had not donated, my son might not be here today.”
A decade after diagnosis and treatment, Jaden is currently in remission and living a healthy life. The Grand Prairie teen is now in 10th grade and in his second year of early high school college. His proud mom notes that Jaden excels at science, debating and theater, and has set a goal of becoming a general surgeon.
A longtime, consistent Carter BloodCare donor with her husband, Tiffany reflected on the personal effects and importance of blood donation.
“Life can be strange and you never know when it’s going to throw a monkey wrench your way,” she said. “Giving blood saves lives and one day it just might be the life of you or your loved one. And it’s so simple to donate.”
Donate at your neighborhood Carter BloodCare donor center or mobile blood drive. Help patients in need by calling 800-366-2834 today.
If you have ever received blood or platelets, your transfusion patient experience can save lives by motivating others to donate. Please help and Tell Us Your Story.