Lifeline partners with family, hosts ‘Give for Graham’ blood drive

JACKSON, Tenn. — One local family is inviting the public out to give towards a cause close to their heart.

Six-year-old, Graham Simpson, had a life changing experience when he was only 2 months.

Graham suffered from ITP, or Immune Thrombocytopenia, a disorder where the amount of platelets in the bloodstream were decreased.

His life was saved by the donations of others and now his family is making a call to the community.

“We just are encouraging others to give so that other families can show up and have the blood they need for emergency situations like us,” said Beth Ann Simpson, downtown director and mother to Graham.

The blood drive started on Monday, June 3 and many are already coming in to donate in honor of Graham.

Melinda Reid, the marketing manager for Lifeline, shares the impact of giving blood can have on donors.

“They just feel wonderful that they helped contribute to their community and that they know that one donation can save up to three lives. And graham is just proof right in front of us that generous donors that we have in the Jackson community can truly make an impact on someone’s life,” said Reid.

Graham’s parents, Beth Ann and Adam Simpson have lived in the Jackson area for almost 20 years, graduating college and starting their family in the Hub City.

“It means a lot to us to do this with our community and have our community show up. Just to encourage others to give input put a face with blood donation and we just feel like it’s important for us to share our story so that it helps other children or folks in need,” said Simpson.

The blood drive will continue at the Jackson location until Saturday, June 8 at 6 p.m.

For more information about the Give for Graham Blood Drive, click here.

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