At the RI State House celebrating Jackson's cord blood match
Did you know J Crew sold kids clothes? I didn't! I found this cuteness at "Crewcuts"
As a parent, I know there will be many times my heart fills with pride for my children. Last Friday, I was able to experience it when Jackson was honored by the Rhode Island Blood Center for being a hero. Jackson’s donated cord blood was the second match of our state’s program (there have been 8 total).
I’ve written before about how he saved a little girl’s life, but it was an amazing experience to attend a reception honoring Jackson & the 7 other children who saved someone’s life. The highlight of the night for me was hearing a mother speak about how an umbilical cord blood donation saved her daughter’s life. As we stood listening to her speech, her sister tapped me on the shoulder to thank me for donating my children’s cord blood. It’s hard to keep the tears away when you realize how a simple act can impact another family.
The program has received over 4,000 cord blood donations in the past 3 years since its inception, and Jackson’s cord blood was one of the 8 matched. It’s a bit surreal to me that while picking up Sidney’s cord blood donation box in September, I read Jackson’s match story on the wall of the Rhode Island Blood Center’s reception area without realizing it was my son.
My hope is that every pregnant woman learns about how easy cord blood donation can be, especially in Rhode Island with the Rhode Island Blood Center’s Cord Blood Program. You could help save a life!
That is the handsomest hero I’ve ever seen 🙂 You certainly have a special little man!
And I may just go buy that suit for my boys for no reason because it is too darn cute!
Thanks Kimberly!!! Your boys would be adorable in the suit!! I love crewcuts, can’t wait to shop there again! 😉
Such a great story!! And my husband and I have decided that Jackson is definitely one of the cutest little boys ever. Love that little suit!! xo
Thank you Melissa!! You guys are so sweet 🙂 xo
What a great story. It takes kind, generous people to help make a difference! I’ve had people look at me funny when I mention that I donated my son’s cord blood — I’m not sure if there is much public knowledge about the various programs, but to some folks it seems a little taboo, which is odd.
I am so happy for you guys, You can not have donated for a better cause. I am glad we do the core banking too and hope ours goes to someone as well in the future. He is so handsome!