By Mariwyn Evans, Red Cross volunteer

DICKSON, Tenn., April 1, 2024 - There is a saying that “God won’t give you a bigger burden than you can handle.” However, it is hard to imagine a heavier burden than knowing your child is critically ill. That is exactly what Kayla Tagg of Dickson faced in the spring of 2022 with her son, Kaedence. Within one month, the 15-year-old went from playing softball to severe fatigue and shortness of breath. The diagnosis was acute lymphocytic leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that primarily affects children.

His mother never lost her faith during the crisis. “God opened every door to help us get the treatment my son needed,” says Tagg. 

A local physician, Dr. Jeff Kauppi, agreed to see Kaedence immediately, even though he was not accepting new patients. A Vanderbilt University Medical Center cardiologist saw the boy in three days and immediately sent him for blood work that produced a diagnosis no parent wants to hear. 

Kaedence spent more than a month in the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at VUMC, followed by a year of intense treatment. As chemo affected his red blood cell count, Kaedence had to have four blood and two plasma transfusions.

“I realized how vital these transfusions were for Kaedence and for so many of the other children that I saw during our hospital stay,” says Tagg. “I made up my mind that when things had stabilized, I was going to find a way to help show my gratitude for Kaedence’s care and to help other children who faced a cancer diagnosis.”

By October 2023, Kaedence’s treatment was less severe, and Tagg was able to turn what she had experienced into action. With the support of Leslie Scott, a broker at Blue Door Realty Group in Dickson, Tagg began planning a blood drive at the real estate office. “Debbie Carr, the blood drive coordinator from the American Red Cross in Nashville, met with me one day after I’d contacted her and worked really hard to get the equipment and staff we needed,” recalls Tagg. 

To promote the drive, Tagg posted pictures of her son on Facebook and reached out to her community. A local coffee shop and bakery, Moon Draped, provided lunch, and friends spread the word. On Jan. 29, 2024, 83 people showed up to donate blood. Many were friends, but some were strangers. More than 25 percent of them were first-time donors.

“A lot of people want to do good but don’t always have the platform,” Tagg said. “Donating blood or hosting a blood drive is an easy way for people to be a hero. I plan to make the blood drive an annual event.” To sign up to donate blood, or to schedule a community blood drive in your area, go to RedCrossBlood.org.  

About the American Red Cross: 

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. The American Red Cross Tennessee Region serves all 95 counties in Tennessee, Crittenden County in Arkansas and Desoto and Tunica counties in Mississippi. The Tennessee Region – part of a nationwide network of locally supported chapters - is comprised of the following eight Red Cross chapters: East Tennessee, Heart of Tennessee, Mid-South, Mid-West Tennessee, Nashville Area, Southeast Tennessee, Northeast Tennessee, and Tennessee River. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.