By Lafe Low, Red Cross writer

When a parent receives a critical diagnosis for their child, it is a life-changing event. That was certainly the case for Jessie Marunowski and her husband. 

“When our daughter was unexpectedly diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, we were told she had two weeks to live unless we started her treatment immediately,” she says. “When you get handed that kind of news, you’re a train wreck.”

By June Mittelmark, Red Cross writer

Athlete. Strong. Vibrant. Dynamic. Survivor.

 By Sabrina Benedetti, Red Cross writer

“I was just floored and grateful. When you have a loss like that, you realize you don't get moments back. Having my sons there was a gift. That's truly what it felt like, a gift.”

By Jennifer Costa, Red Cross communications director

 By Sabrina Benedetti, Red Cross writer

“We needed to get blood from the lab into the ICU quickly. If it hadn't been there, we would have lost him. That's the case, for patients around the world every day.”