Beth Paquette and Grayson are showing off their Pac-Man socks after her first donation at an American Red Cross blood drive.
By: Jacqui Jeras, Communications Volunteer
Beth Paquette has done many things for “passion reasons” in her 46 years, but giving blood became one of those only after seeing how transfusions changed her son’s life.
“We donate once a month, and our friends and family now give blood because they know it’s really, really meaningful to Grayson,” she says.
Grayson Faulcon is Paquette’s 9-year-old son. He was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease a few years ago. Crohn’s is an inflammatory bowel disease that Grayson will have to fight and deal with for the rest of his life. His recent flare-ups have resulted in hospital visits and two blood transfusions. The change in his health after the transfusion was quick.
“His energy came back in less than 24 hours, even though he was still in the hospital and sick. After that, he was up and talking to his friends, and it just instantly makes him feel better and more energetic,” Paquette says.
While many turn their heads at the sight of needles, Grayson is curious. He is quite knowledgeable about his disease and wants to know all about his medical treatments, too. When he had his first blood transfusion and was observing the process, he asked the nurse what names were on the bags of blood that he was receiving. He wanted to know who donated them so he could write them thank-you notes.
With a window view, Grayson finds his strength again after a blood transfusion during a recent hospital stay.
“It made me want to give back to the people that helped me because it made me feel so, like, good, and the fact that people cared enough…even when they didn’t know who they were helping” Grayson says.
Getting the blood bag donor contact information wasn’t an option, because the American Red Cross protects donor privacy. So, Grayson and Paquette decided the best way to give back and say thank you is to help others through blood donations. When Grayson was feeling better, the pair went to a Red Cross blood drive at a church in Decatur, Georgia.
“Grayson wanted to watch it. He talked to the person (phlebotomist). He was fascinated by my hemoglobin number. He went to the table, had a little snack and then at the end they gave me my socks, and they gave him his socks as well.”
They now have a matching set of Red Cross Pac-Man socks. Paquette says she likes the idea of people seeing the socks and asking them where they got them so she can tell them about blood donation.
“I just think it’s very important that people understand how donating blood can be one really positive part when kids are ill, whether its Crohn’s or other things kids need donations for,” says Paquette. “I definitely want people to know it is lifesaving. I mean, the fact that it’s available for kids that are struggling, it can make such a huge impact. We are super thankful for the donors… just the gratitude we felt both times. It was just a huge relief to us.”
Beth Paquette and Grayson after getting released from the hospital. He says getting blood from the American Red Cross really helped him feel better.
Since Grayson can’t donate blood, he helps in other ways. He won second place in his school science fair for an app he developed that helps kids with Crohn’s disease and hopes that he can publicly launch it soon. He also says he hopes to feel good enough to get back on the soccer field. The ambitious young man loves to play basketball and the piano. He also likes to read and is on the Science Olympiad team. But he says he would like to do more for the Red Cross, too. Grayson and Paquette say they hope sharing their story will encourage others to donate blood. They already have their family and friends signing up to donate in his honor.
“That’s the movement where we can reach a lot of people… because everyone knows and loves him,” Paquette says.
Every two seconds in the United States, someone like Grayson needs blood. You can sign up to donate at 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. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
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