Thirteen-year-old Braden Green from South Carolina scored a trip to Super Bowl LIV in Miami, courtesy of the NFL, American Red Cross and Keith Hudson, president of Jim Hudson Automotive Group. On Jan. 30, Braden was caught off guard in the middle of science class when a video appeared on screen from his favorite sports team, the Carolina Panthers, announcing a surprise getaway for him and his parents, Brenda and Patrick Green, to go to the Super Bowl.
Carolina Panthers’ fullback Alex Armah and tight end Chris Manhertz recorded a special video to thank Braden for his support of the Panthers on game days, share how inspired they are by his story and most importantly reveal that he was being awarded tickets to the Super Bowl. Braden was shocked!
In 2015, Braden suffered from acute chest syndrome, the leading cause of death in sickle cell patients, and needed blood transfusions to survive. During his recovery, he missed six weeks of school and depended on instructors to help him get caught up. Upon the realization of the importance of donated blood to help sickle cell patients in need, Brenda vowed to become an advocate for blood donation and has since hosted several blood drives for patients in need.
Take a Timeout and Help a Patient in Need
Right now, there is a critical need for blood of all types. Roll up a sleeve to help a patient in need of lifesaving blood products today.
Schedule an appointment to give blood with the American Red Cross by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or activating the Blood Scheduling Skill for Amazon Alexa.
All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
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. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Take a class and be ready to respond if an emergency strikes.
