In many respects, Liv O’Connell is like any other 8 year old. She is involved in cheer, tumbling and dance. Soon she’ll start skiing. At school her favorite class is math.  

Unlike her peers, though, Liv has a medical condition that causes severe anemia and temporarily limits her participation in the things she enjoys. Every three weeks Liv receives a blood transfusion that is crucial to keeping her alive.

“I’m always amazed at how much energy she has, knowing she is not like the rest of us,” said her mother, Megan. 

Liv was born with Diamond Blackfan Anemia, a rare genetic blood disorder that prevents her bone marrow from making enough red blood cells, which carry oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body. She received two lifesaving blood transfusions shortly after birth and has been on a steady calendar of transfusions ever since.

To date, she has received at least 109 blood transfusions. “She’s now at an age when she knows she needs blood,” Megan said. Perhaps in a playful nod to her condition, Liv dressed up as vampire last Halloween.

The American Red Cross recognizes National Blood Donor Month every January, a designation to honor blood donors, encourage others to donate and raise
awareness about the constant need for blood and platelet donations.

A strong blood supply is critical to ensuring adults and children like Liv have access to lifesaving blood when they need it. When fewer people donate, blood products can start to disappear from hospital shelves.

“Liv would not have lived even probably a week without those first two transfusions and she surely wouldn’t be here but for people’s blood donations,” said Liv’s father, Tim. “She’s alive because people donate blood.”

The O’Connells have investigated potential treatments for Liv, including gene therapy and a bone marrow transplant. For now, they are relying on the generosity of volunteer blood donors. 

On Feb. 7 the Red Cross will host a blood drive in Liv’s honor from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Independence Elementary School in Clarkson. Make an appointment to give at this drive or any other Red Cross blood drive or donation center at RedCrossBlood.org.

“We’ve gotten a lot of new people who were scared or never thought to donate because of Liv. They see how strong she is and they’re like, ‘I can do this’,” Megan said, before reflecting on the unselfishness of volunteer blood donors.    

“We have to count on the kindness of others,” she said. “It’s a strange thing to count on other people to keep your child alive.”

By David Olejarz, regional communications director