Andover, Mass. – In July 2020, James Lino was diagnosed with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma at the tender age of 3. Although the preschooler is now in remission, his treatment protocol – which includes supplemental blood as well as chemotherapy – will continue through November 19, 2022.
On Saturday, July 24, a community blood drive in honor of “Jamesy’s Journey” will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Andover Town House/Town Hall, 20 Main St. in Andover. The event was coordinated by Phil Liaboe, James’s grandfather, to raise awareness of the impact of the nationwide blood shortage on many different kinds of patients: a young child with a rare blood disorder, a family member fighting cancer or a friend involved in a car accident.
“Even if people can’t give blood at this clinic, I encourage them to find another one because there are so many kids and other patients out there who need blood,” said Heather Lino, praising the expert, compassionate caregiving of Tufts Children’s Hospital, where her son has been hospitalized more than 200 days over the past year, and Home Health VNA, whose maternal child health nurses assess James, draw blood for lab work, administer chemotherapy and coordinate care with Tufts Children’s Hospital staff.
“Everyone kindly asks, ‘What can I do to help?’ Lino added. “Giving blood is a way to celebrate life while making a big difference.”
To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter Jamesy Journey.
About Home Health Foundation
Home Health Foundation, which includes providers Circle Home, Commonwealth Nursing Services, Hallmark Health VNA, Home Health VNA, Home Health VNA of NH, Merrimack Valley Hospice and York Hospital Hospice as part of the Wellforce Health System, provides essential home health, palliative, hospice, aide and private care services in all the places patients call home. Together, these agencies are leading the development of a new era of innovation, with a relentless focus on transforming home-based care.