A boy needing a blood transfusion

A boy needing a blood transfusion

We received this via email from a good friend, and would like to pass the information along:

" http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/aaronczup

Aaron Czup is a 6 year old boy who went in for a relatively simple surgical procedure on July 18.  He has been battling for his life ever since.  He is in desperate need of a blood transfusion.  Without it, the only suggestion that his doctors have is to initiate hospice care.  Here is where you may be able to help.  Aaron can only be transfused with Type AB- blood.  (His hematologist has indicated that A-, B- and O- are not options for reasons that I can't begin to comprehend.)  The kicker is that Aaron has an IgA deficiency, which the donor must also have.  If you have AB- blood, you can help by going to a blood donation center to have them check your blood for IgA deficiency.  Do not give blood immediately if you have the deficiency, as the process for getting the blood to Aaron is still being worked out!  I would hate to have you donate and then not be able to get the blood to Aaron for whatever reason.  Instead, contact me ASAP so I can get the information to the family. If you do not have AB- blood with an IgA deficiency, you can still help by telling others about Aaron.  If you are so inclined, you may also donate to the Aaron A. Czup Donation Fund Account at US Bank.  Lastly, but certainly not least, you can pray for Aaron and his family.  Here is the Caring Bridge page that his family uses to post updates.

One last note.  A charity has offered to cover the cost of flying a compatible donor and/or their blood to OH.  This offer extends to any location in the U.S.  I am not sure about international donors.  We'll cross that bridge if and when a donor is located."