Red Cross blood drive honors cousins who lost their lives
People in Rexburg honored the memory of two young cousins who lost their lives to illnesses. The American Red Cross Blood Drive asked donors to give blood to save lives as a tribute, and to raise awareness for the need of blood.
Ten-year-old Briauna Bergeson and 7-year-old Jace Ortiz passed away earlier this year, a month from each other. They both fought serious illnesses that needed several blood transfusions.
“Hopefully with seeing this it kind of brings a little more awareness to what people need to do. We all need to do our part. Little changes make big changes. We hope everybody gives a little today,” said Briauna’s mother, Jessica Bergeson.
On Wednesday, both families were present to encourage the community and spread their stories, to share how important it is to give blood.
“As a parent, it’s your choice. You are your child’s best advocate. You need to be proactive about their care – educate yourself. You can keep an uplifting attitude, it doesn’t have to be a bad thing. It doesn’t have to be this curse. The fact that we had a disabled child was a huge blessing.”
Since blood is needed faster that donations are coming in, donors are critically needed at this time.
