Murray High School football team hosted a Red Cross blood drive in honor of their classmate, Kate Macfarlane and her fight against a rare blood condition. Kate, pictured above, had a bone marrow transplant on Oct. 20, the same day as the blood drive in her honor.
Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Oct. 18, 2023) — The Murray High School football team is rallying behind their classmate, Kate Macfarlane, as she prepares for a critical bone marrow transplant. In honor of Kate and her fight against a rare blood condition, the team is hosting a blood drive on Friday, Oct. 20, at the Murray City Library, 166 East 5300 South, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Kate, a 16-year-old student, has been battling aplastic anemia for nearly two years. This condition halts the production of enough new red and white blood cells and platelets in the bone marrow. Kate has undergone 22 crucial blood transfusions to save her life and is now preparing to undergo a bone marrow transplant on the same day as the blood drive.
“We are immensely grateful to those who donate blood, as it has been vital for Kate's survival,” said Jill Macfarlane, Kate's mother. “We are deeply moved by the support shown by her friends at Murray High School through this blood drive. The donated blood could potentially help families like ours.”
Patients like Kate rely on the availability of donated blood for treating illnesses such as leukemia, kidney disease and severe complications from sickle cell disease. Blood transfusions also prove lifesaving for victims of car crashes or other accident injuries and patients of major surgery.
Make your appointment today for Kate’s blood drive
Donors can schedule an appointment using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Use sponsor code MC2023 to book an appointment for Friday's blood drive or find another drive that suits your schedule.
The Red Cross is currently grappling with a severe blood shortage, due to a combination of reduced summer donations and numerous blood drive cancellations caused by natural disasters. The demand for blood in hospitals is exceeding the rate of donations, leading to a 25% decrease in the Red Cross's national blood supply.
“With the Red Cross experiencing blood shortages, this event becomes even more crucial,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Utah, Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “When supplies of blood and platelets reach dangerously low levels, it jeopardizes patient care in hospitals, particularly during major accidents or emergencies requiring large amounts of blood.”
Transplant donor close to home
Due to the high iron content, repeated blood transfusions can result in liver damage. As these transfusions became hazardous for Kate's liver, they could no longer serve as a long-term solution. The only option was a bone marrow transplant. Luckily, her younger sister, Leah, volunteered to be tested and turned out to be a perfect match for the transplant.
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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.