Blood drive to support eight-year-old Versailles patient

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Eight-year-old Baily Ford of Versailles is fighting a big fight. Diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2011, she has undergone numerous rounds of chemotherapy, two stem cell transplants and 20 radiation treatments. Yet she’s still battling.

In her fight against this cancer, Baily has continually required red cell, platelet and plasma transfusions.

To help ensure a strong blood supply for Baily and other Kentucky patients who need transfusions, Baily’s family and friends have organized a blood drive at the new Versailles Kroger on Saturday, Feb. 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For the convenience of donors, there will be two Kentucky Blood Center bloodmobiles parked in the lot.

Donors can also give at any Kentucky Blood Center donor center. There are two locations in Lexington – Beaumont at 3121 Beaumont Centre Circle and Andover at 3130 Maple Leaf Drive in the Andover Shoppes. Both centers are open Mondays and Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Everyone who registers to donate will receive a T-shirt and will be automatically entered to win a pair of tickets to the NCAA Men’s Tournament South Regional in Louisville in March.

Walk-ins are welcome, or appointments can be made by visiting kybloodcenter.org or calling (800) 775-2522.

Blood donors must be 17-years-old (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, be in general good health, show a photo I.D. and meet additional requirements. Sixteen-year-old donors must have a signed parental permission slip, which can be found at kybloodcenter.org.