As of January 22nd, the New York Blood Center has declared a blood emergency. Following the holidays, there has been a staggering 30 percent drop in donations, which has resulted in a critical and immediate need for blood in the region.
In efforts to help build up the blood supply, West Haverstraw Elementary School hosted a recent blood drive in honor of 8 year old Jelien Ramos. Ramos, who was described as an โabsolute firecrackerโ by an NYBC spokesperson, arrived at the blood drive bedecked in hot pink scrubs and a white doctorโs coat. On the back of the coat, โPediatric Oncologistโ was spelled out in swirling glitter letters. Young Ramos has had her fair share of encounters with white coats – she endured leukemia at only 3 years old, and is now celebrating 5 years of being cancer free. When the future pediatric oncologist had a few moments, she sat down with the RCT to give a few statements on the importance ofย donating blood.ย
โWhen I was three years old, I had leukemia, and I needed to get blood. People donated blood to me, and thatโs why we do this,โ said Ramos, referencing the blood drive as she played with the stethoscope hanging on her neck. She spoke of her desire to be an oncologist to โhelp kids with cancer.โ
Until Ramos is old enough to fit in the adult sized lab coat, however, she is doing all she can to be a light in the community. Ramos has received the Hispanic Heritage Award, has led a toiletry and toy drive for hospitals, and has helped fundraise for the American Cancer Society. Ramos and her mother are the first Rockland Team to fundraise for childhood cancer through Gold Together – a program run by the American Cancer Society.ย
Ramosโ mother shared that only four percent of the federal governmentโs cancer researchย funding goes towards childhood cancer research. This alarming fact is a large reason why Ramos and her mother do so much to educate others and fundraise for childhood cancer.ย
The two are not alone in their work, however. Ramos is part of a highly active Girl Scout Troop, many of whom were in attendance at the blood drive. Ramosโ Girl Scout Troop were present as โBlood Buddiesโ to the donors, and they were quick with the five star service. Water bottles were promptly brought to donors, as well as fun conversations to keep nervous donorsโ minds distracted. The fact that Ramos could be at the blood drive, giggling and running around with her Girl Scout troop, is in part thanks to the donations she received while in hospital.ย
Following the announcement of this blood emergency, Ramosโ words ring out to donors around the county who may be shying away from donating. โDonโt worry,โ said Ramos, โIt wonโt hurt if you donโt think about it.โ These words mean all the more when coming from someone who has been undergone so much so young.ย
To make an appointment to donate blood, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org.

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