Update: It is necessary to have a prescription from Kennedy’s oncologist to make a direct blood/platelet/plasma donation. We are asking that family members do not try to donate to Kennedy because if she needs a bone marrow or liver transplant, regardless of how good a match, they would be unable to be a donor. Please continue to donate blood in honor of our Kennedy-Give the Gift of Life.

Many people have asked whether or not they can make direct blood donations to Kennedy. Here is the answer:

Kennedy can take direct donations from donors who are 0+ only.

They will bank the blood specifically for her personal use. Because blood expires, if the expiration date is approaching and Kennedy is not using blood, they will release it for the general public. Right now she is averaging a red blood transfusion every other week.

There is no cost to those who have donated blood to the Red Cross previously. They recommended that first time donors, rather than pay the $300 fee, should donate a first time to the general public and then donate to Kennedy.

For those people who feel moved to donate platelets (it is a 2 hour process but harmless) you can also donate those in her name if you are 0+.

When giving blood or platelets, the donor can just specify that the blood go directly to

Kennedy Brooke Duval
Date of Birth: 10/12/2000
Treated at: Legacy Emanuel Children’s Hospital Cancer Program.

Healthy red blood cells and platelets are vital to her recovery because the chemo drugs do not differentiate between good cells and leukemia cells. Red blood cells move oxygen throughout her body-these are also the hardest for her bone marrow to make. Without them she becomes anemic, lethargic and suffers from weakness and exhaustion.

Platelets are needed to clot her blood in case of an injury. They are vital to her safety and without them she has had severe bruising, petechiae (blood leaking from the veins and leaving a purple rash) and internal bleeding (in her kidneys and stomach).

For those of you who feel led, this is a wonderful gift that you can give Kennedy that makes a huge difference in her recovery. With blood and blood products banked for her, there will be little for us to worry about should the Red Cross have a shortage.