Both of Lily Chan’s children—Benjamin, 17, and Calliope, 15—needed lifesaving blood transfusions as newborns due to a rare genetic disorder. Diagnosed with hereditary spherocytosis, their tiny bodies couldn’t produce enough healthy red blood cells, but timely transfusions gave them strength, stability and a fighting start in life. Photos courtesy of Lily Chan.
By Mimi Teller/American Red Cross
When Lily Chan gave birth to her son Benjamin, she didn’t expect to hear the words “blood transfusion” within the first 48 hours of his life. Just two years later, the same became true for her daughter, Calliope.
Both her children were born with hereditary spherocytosis, a rare genetic blood disorder that causes red blood cells to be abnormally shaped and prone to early destruction. Although Lily knew there was a chance her kids could inherit the condition, it wasn’t confirmed until after they were born—revealing itself in the most vulnerable moments of new motherhood.
“The first time, it felt like such a big deal,” she recalls. “Your baby’s veins are so tiny. It’s scary. But it became something we learned to accept—just like some people need insulin or an inhaler, our kids needed blood.”
Over the years, Benjamin and Calliope received dozens of transfusions. When their blood counts dropped too low—often triggered by illness or physical stress—it was blood donations that restored their energy, color and health. Sometimes the family waited hours while blood was flown in. Every time, it came. Every time, it helped.
Today, Benjamin is 17 and Calliope is 15. Lily remembers the fear and heartbreak of needle sticks and hospital visits; but her children’s memories are lighter—like choosing food from a special menu, bonding with their favorite nurses and always ordering chocolate pudding and orange juice after a transfusion.
“I don’t know who you are out there,” Lily says, addressing the anonymous donors, “but thank you. You gave your blood—freely—and my children got to be healed. You didn’t owe us anything, but you gave us everything.”
Lily hopes her family’s story helps others understand how vital blood donation is. “My kids were saved over and over again by complete strangers. When people realize this, it stops being abstract.”
Transfusions became a routine part of life for Calliope, left, and Benjamin, right, who faced sudden drops in blood counts due to their rare disorder. While their mother recalls the worry, the kids remember small joys—friendly nurses, favorite snacks and the comfort that came with every bag of blood.
To someone who’s never donated before, Lily says this: “It’s a gift—literally from your body and your heart. You may never meet the person you help, but I promise you: someone like me is out there, counting on that blood to save their child’s life.”
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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.
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