Family gives back by helping organize blood drive at Zionsville Presbyterian Church

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The Lehr Family. (Submitted photo)
The Lehr Family. (Submitted photo)

By James Feichtner

For the Lehr family of Carmel, recent experiences with local blood banks have encouraged them to give back by hosting a blood and bone marrow drive at their church.

Hadley Lehr
Hadley Lehr

Hadley Lehr, 2, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at just 21 months old. Since then she has received numerous transfusions of blood products to help fight her disease. To help support the organizations that helped make her transfusions possible, Hadley’s parents, Heather and Jim Lehr, thought a blood drive would be a great way to help others in need.

“I never really knew that much about blood transfusions but always tried to say a little prayer every time she would get a blood transfusion because someone took the time to give so that she could have them,” Heather Lehr said. “We knew that when we had some time we wanted to have a blood drive and wanted to give back to the (blood) bank that has given so much to us.”

Having been members of the Zionsville Presbyterian Church since Hadley was born, the Lehr family received much support from their church community after her diagnosis. When the idea of a blood drive was presented, members of the church were ready to help.

“The group there had been really supportive,” Heather said. “I was talking with one of the moms there and she asked me if there was anything they could do. I said I really would love to do a blood drive, I just don’t have the means and the time to organize it. It makes perfect sense for us to have it there. They are an amazing group of people who have been so unbelievably supportive of our family.”

Bone Marrow & Blood Drive for Hadley

When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 22

Where: Zionsville Presbyterian Church, 4775 W. 116th St.

More info: Call 317-873-6503 or visit zpc.org or donorpoint.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/105491. Walk-ins are welcome.

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