PENSACOLA — Two Thanksgivings ago, Katie Mitchell developed a cough.
After her parents, Jamie and Steven Mitchell, took her to several doctor visits and to the emergency room, blood and bone marrow tests confirmed she had acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This type of cancer prevents Katie's bone marrow from generating lymphocytes, leaving her unable to fend off infections.
Katie spent a month in the hospital for treatment and received about 30 platelet and blood transfusions. Her ongoing treatment requires her to receive a spinal injection of chemotherapy and a monthly dose of platelets.
With blood and platelet donors, Katie can spend the holidays at home with her family.
"Katie’s family, including her brother, Ryan, and grandmother, Thea Duhaime, is grateful to everyone who has helped her fight this disease with their generous donations," a spokesperson said.
OneBlood is sharing Katie's story in a campaign to drive blood donations. Generally healthy people, age 16 or older, who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood, which often is transfused within three days.
The Crestview Donor Center is at2400 S. Ferdon Blvd. Suite B, Crestview. Call 306-2455 for hours.
For more on Katie's story, see the OneBlood video.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview girl featured in blood drive campaign (VIDEO)