Cooper was born at 25.5 weeks and over the course of three months, he had received thirteen blood transfusions. As a premature baby, nurses must take blood samples frequently (often, multiple times a day) and babies do not make blood as efficiently at that gestational age. Additionally, he had undergone three surgeries that required blood transfusions.

Cooper was not the only beneficiary of a blood donor. Haley also received a blood transfusion after delivery. It was because of the generosity of donors, like yourself, that Cooper, Haley, and countless other patients are able to get the treatment needed to be on the road to recovery.

Here are some statistics about the need for blood donations:

• Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood and or platelets. 

• Approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U. S. 

• Nearly 5,000 units of platelets and 6.500 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S. 

• Nearly 16 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S.

• The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 units.

• A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood.

• One donation can help save more than one life.

• According to the American Cancer Society, many cancer patients will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment. 

We encourage you to help save a life in Cooper’s honor by signing up to be a blood donor. You are also invited to join our blood donation team, Cooper Strong, on the Red Cross App.