Pints for Preemies Blood Donation Challenge to be held through Nov. 17
10/11/2021
The Pints for Preemies Blood Donation Challenge helps those smallest patients in need. Hannah Miller, a labor and delivery nurse, knows the importance of blood donation all to well. But it was not until her pregnancy that she would see the benefits firsthand.
At just 12 weeks pregnant, Hannah began to have complications with a subchorionic hemorrhage, which is bleeding under one of the membranes that surrounds the baby inside the uterus. Due to her complications, Hannah was admitted to the hospital when she was 17 weeks pregnant. She needed seven blood transfusions to stay pregnant long enough to bring her son to viability. Her son, Louden Miller was born prematurely at 24 weeks, weighing just 1 pound, 7 ounces.
During his six-month stay in the Neonatal ICU, Louden needed eight blood transfusions. After 135 days in the Neonatal ICU, Louden gave his dad the best birthday gift: He was discharged to head home for the first time. Louden is now a thriving and happy 18-month-old.
Pictured with Louden are his Neonatal ICU beads that represent each trial he was faced with during his stay. They are symbols of hope, strength, courage and healing.
Pints for Preemies Blood Donation Challenge information
In honor of World Prematurity Day, the Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Program will host the Annual Pints for Preemies Blood Donation Challenge. This year's goal is to bring in more lifesaving blood donations and raise awareness of World Prematurity Day on Nov. 17.
The challenge runs through Nov. 17. To participate, simply stop in at the front desk at one of the Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Program's two donation locations and fill out a challenge sheet:
- Hilton Building
This location is on the first floor is open weekdays from 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can reach this location at 507-284-4475. - Joseph M-86
This location on the Saint Marys Campus is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can reach this location at 507-255-4359.
How to donate
Call to schedule an appointment at one of the two locations listed above. For more information about donating blood, call the Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Program at 507-284-4475 or email the program. Learn more by visiting the Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Program website.