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Meriden child needs 1,000 blood donors per month to stay alive, blood drive planned for Aug. 6

MERIDEN – One blood donation has the potential to save up to three lives, according to the American Red Cross. The aim of a blood drive in Meriden that is...
Jeshua JJ Lopez

MERIDEN - One blood donation has the potential to save up to three lives, according to the American Red Cross.

The aim of a blood drive in Meriden that is planned for Saturday, August 6, is to save one very precious life.

"I get sick a lot," said 6-year-old Jeshua "JJ" Lopez, who suffers from low levels of antibodies in his blood. So much as a simple cold can be deadly for JJ.

"Respiratory infections and stomach infections usually are the worst," said JJ's mother, Jessica Figueroa.

His condition, known as common variable immune deficiency, requires monthly infusions through a port in his chest at the Connecticut Children's Medical Center.

"We stay almost six to seven hours to do this treatment," said Figueroa.

His precious life was recognized by the Make-A-Wish foundation, through a trip to Walt Disney World a couple of months ago.

Now, the blood drive at the Iglesia Christiana, located at 224 Cook Avenue in Meriden, will be another blessing.

It takes approximately 1,000 blood donors each month for JJ to receive the antibodies and plasma he needs.

"That doesn't mean he's going to not get infections. But, it will at least help him to fight infections," said Figueroa.

Typically, JJ's condition is difficult to diagnose because it can mimic common ailments, like ear infections, throat infections, pneumonia and bronchitis.

To sign up for the blood drive for JJ contact Jessica Figueroa at 203-213-9095 or through email at lopezjessica497@gmail.com.

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