BENTON — Many parents eagerly look forward to the day they welcome their children into the world. For the Clancy family, it came 15 weeks early. The premature delivery was unexpected, with no signs of problems during the pregnancy. At birth, Cash and Turner weighed less than four pounds combined. On Aug. 18, the Northside Church of Christ is partnering with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive in their honor.
“They’ve received a lot of blood, sometimes two transfusions in one day, because their little bodies just can’t produce enough red blood cells,” mom Ashley Clancy said. “It was something I never thought about, until now. I never knew that it would be something my sons would need.”
Dr. John Theus, Medical Director of the American Red Cross Greater-Ozarks Arkansas Blood Services Region, said obtaining blood donation matches for infants is more challenging, which can make the supply available even more limited.
Ashley and her husband Shane Clancy have spent much of the past two months with their sons in Baptist Hospital’s neonatal unit in Little Rock. Shane is Bauxite High School’s head football coach and a former Bryant Hornets player. Ashley is an attorney. Cash and Turner likely won’t go home until the end of September, around the time of their original due date.
Coordinators for the drive are hoping to reach 150 donations during the event. The blood collected will go to help patients like the Clancy twins and others. The family will be attending the drive.
Blood drive in honor of Cash and Turner Clancy:
Aug. 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Northside Church of Christ, 917 N. East St., Benton, Ark.
How to donate blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossBldGOA.
