Joshua

Given only a 50/50 chance of survival, this 2lbs., 7oz. infant seemed to be facing unbeatable odds. Born 3 months early and with complications including a heart condition, Joshua endured transfusions and surgery within the first months of his life. In all, Joshua received over 20 units of blood.

Today, Joshua is a growing, active 4-year-old in Pleasanton, CA. Although lengthy intubation delayed his language skills, Joshua has overcome this too, and now speaks effortlessly with his parents and playmates. Not forgetting how frightening their experience was, the Gardner family shares their success story with others who now have sick children in the hospital, so that they can see that there is hope to make it through these hard times. Without the blood he received, Joshua would not have the chance to share the hope that he embodies. "We are forever grateful to the Red Cross and to all the people who donated the blood that helped our son" said his mother, Diana. "He is our joy."