Meet the O'Leary family

Kathleen, Cassandra and Kathryne. A grandmother, mother and daughter impacted by life changing circumstances.

Grandmother Kathleen was once a blood donor. When her life got busy, like many of ours do, she stopped donating for a while. That is, until her daughter Cassandra experienced a high risk pregnancy. Baby Kathryne was born nearly three months early, weighing only two pounds. Kathryne spent a long time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and during her stay, needed a blood transfusion.

Grandmother Kathleen never realized that her life would be changed because of Kathryne’s need for a transfusion. She now makes donating blood a regular part of her routine.

“I cannot imagine not donating. When Kathryne was a week old it startled me to think that this tiny life needed a blood transfusion,” says Kathleen. “We are very blessed to have people donate. What if no one had given? She’s alive because of transfusions and caring people.”

For proud mom, Cassandra, Kathryne’s birth brought another new direction in her life. She is studying nursing and hopes to someday work in the NICU.

As for baby Kathryne, she is surrounded by loving family and has a great future ahead of her.

Life-long blood donors

Fredd and Shelia Atkins are both well-known in Sarasota, their hometown. The Atkins have devoted their lives to their family and community. Both are involved in dozens of community, cultural, economic development and educational organizations. They are also life-long blood donors. Fredd is up to 17 gallons and Shelia is at 3 gallons. Together, they encourage others to donate, especially the next generation. “We need to educate our children early about the importance of donating blood,” says Shelia. Both Shelia and Fredd are very busy but donating is something they take time for. “If I can find the time, I know you can,” remarks Fredd.

The next generation.

Meet Lakisha and Kaitlin—the next generation of blood donors. They are just a few of the hundreds of high school and college students who donate blood annually. National studies show that most adolescents who donate blood at least three times become donors for life. Kaitlin and Lakisha are two prime examples. Kaitlin recently graduated from Sarasota Military Academy where she donated blood for the first time in her senior year. Lakisha, a recent graduate of DeSoto High School also began donating blood at a school drive. Both girls received scholarships from SCBB toward their post-secondary education because of their extraordinary service to the community.