By Mike Finney

Flowers and cards can still be gifted, but the Blood Bank of Delmarva is also encouraging blood donations in honor of moms this Mother’s Day weekend.

One mother thankful for blood and platelet donors is Samantha Marshall of Wilmington.

Ms. Marshall’s daughter, Oakley Louisignau, 2, was diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia in December 2021. Oakley has since received 50 units of red cells and platelets at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Wilmington.

In response, Ms. Marshall and her partner, Jon Louisignau, recently gave whole blood and platelets, respectively, for the first time.

“Every Mother’s Day, I used to believe the best gifts were more sleep and a card scribbled with crayon,” she said. “And now, I know the best gifts are not only all of the above but also healthy children.

“Without blood and platelet donations, my daughter would not have made it this far, and celebrating Mother’s Day could have looked differently this year. So for this Mother’s Day, consider being that special person who can save a life.”

BBD also noted that mothers lose about 1 pint of blood when giving birth. But its donors can ensure that blood is available for new mothers and their babies.

The Blood Bank reports that blood supply has suffered over the last month, as schools went on spring break and families took vacations.

BBD is low on types O negative, B negative and O positive. The inventory for these ranges from one to three days, whereas BBD ideally maintains a seven-day supply.

“Mothers deserve a thank-you every day, and this week, we’re proud to celebrate them,” said Patricia Killeen, senior executive director at BBD. “Whether it is your actual mom or even your neighbor, teacher or co-worker, donate blood in honor of all moms and help us to replenish the region’s blood supply.”

As an extra incentive, BBD will offer planters to donors at the following locations while supplies last:

Friday

• Dover Donor Center, 221 Saulsbury Road, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Dagsboro Donor Center, 32442 Royal Blvd., 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday

• Christiana Donor Center, 100 Hygiea Drive, Newark, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Salisbury (Maryland) Donor Center, 1309 Mount Hermon Road, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1530 Foulk Road, Wilmington, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

It only takes one hour to donate, and a single donation can save multiple lives because roughly 1 in 7 hospital admissions requires a blood transfusion, BBD said.

Those in need include cancer patients; accident, burn or trauma victims; transplant recipients; surgery patients; chronically transfused patients suffering from sickle cell disease or thalassemia; and many more.

To make an appointment, call 888-8-BLOOD-8 or visit here.