Please consider donating the “gift of life” Friday, Sept. 16 aboard the OneBlood Big Red Bus at the Venice Police Department.

This blood drive, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. is being held as a “Rally for Reagan,” the 3-year-old daughter of VPD Lt. Louis White and his wife Alicia.

About a month ago, Reagan developed a serious kidney and renal system ailment that led to an emergency trip to SMH followed by an immediate transfer to All Children’s in St. Petersburg. Lt. White and Alicia spent the next 16 days by Reagan’s side at All Children’s. Their young daughter endured three blood transfusions in an effort to rid her body of bad bacteria.

Thankfully, all were able to return home together. Reagan has follow-up appointments but appears to be on the road to recovery.

OneBlood is a primary supplier of blood and blood products to All Children’s Hospital. There is always a need for emergency blood supplies, and thank goodness what Reagan needed was there for her – let’s pay it forward!

Please consider donating blood and/or sharing this information with family and friends who can help. The direct link to schedule an appointment to donate blood at VPD on Sept. 16 is: https://donor.oneblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/1276455

Donors get a $20 eGift card, T-shirt and socks. Thank you in advance!