How To Be “TroyStrong” For Blood Donations in Montana
How To Be "TroyStrong" For Blood Donations in Montana
The gift of life. Blood. Oftentimes we think of blood donations as part of someone being hurt physically. Perhaps a car accident, or closer to home, a farming or ranching catastrophe that would need the donation of blood.
That need comes every two seconds across America. In Montana, that need comes every 28 minutes. But it isn't only a surgery or car accident that donations help save lives with. In certain instances, blood transfusions for other conditions.
A Community Rallies Around a Child in Great Falls
7 years ago, a small boy began a journey that would require almost 3/4 of his blood being replaced due to a rare disease, pulmonary capilliritis. The disease caused the immune system to attack his lungs.
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In order to make the disease go into remission, blood transfusions over several years were required for Troy. As those days passed, many that donated were dubbed "TroyStrong" for their giving. Now, that same family of Troy's wants to pay it forward.
Giving Back and Paying It Forward Across Montana
After 7 years, Troy's condition has gone into remission. He is enjoying all those great things that any kid would be. Football, school and being healthy. Troy and his family will be giving back this year, hosting several blood drive donation events across the state.
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To say thanks, the family will be heading out 9 separate times this summer to raise awareness and fill the coffers of local blood banks. This will mark the 7th consecutive year that the Ross family will be holding these drives. They are as follows:
- June 18th in Kalispell
- June 19th in Havre and Bozeman
- June 24th and 25th in Dillon
- June 26th in Helena
- June 27th in Bozeman, Great Falls and Missoula.
For more details on donating blood, visit the American Red Cross website here.
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