Legion Vets lead charge to help Croix Hurtis

New Richmond American Legion Post 80 held a blood drive on Jan. 19 that netted 49 pints.

That blood was earmarked as replacements for the many units of blood being given to New Richmond sixth-grader Croix Hurtis in his battle with Burkitt’s Leukemia. Chemotherapy and blood transfusions, averaging twice a week, will possibly continue for several months for Hurtis at Children’s Hospital in St. Paul, Minn.

Chuck Mehls, who coordinated the January bloodmobile, stated that several people asked what blood type needed to be donated.

“It really makes no difference what blood type is donated as the blood has already been used and donors are essentially making an in-kind donation in Croix’s name to replace the number of units used,” Mehls said.

Another blood drive is scheduled for April 23 at the American Legion. There is a possibility of a “mini-mobile,” which would be geared to obtain 20-22 units, in the near future.

Tags: new richmond, communities, health