Local Family Hosts 2nd Annual Blood Drive in Half Moon Bay

Over a year ago, El Granada resident Dusty Nales Dimas was receiving regular blood transfusions as part of his treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital. He was four years old.

So in January 2011, Dimas' aunt Colleen Granahan put a call out to the Half Moon Bay Coastside community for help. Donating blood, Granahan emphasized, would provide a steady supply for Dusty and fellow patients in need of blood from the bank at the Stanford Blood Center.

Locals for the cause. While over 153 people tried to donate, the Blood Center was able to collect 124 pints of blood in one day, according to Granahan.

"There were 113 first-time donors," she said.

Today, the 5-year-old Dusty is in remission, and has just under 2 years left in treatment, according to his aunt.  

"He is doing really well," Granahan said. "He hasn't been in need of any blood products recently."

Still, despite her nephew's improved condition, Granahan is again calling for more volunteers to donate blood in Half Moon Bay on Mar. 31.

"The blood does not get earmarked for Dusty, but does go to Stanford and Lucile Packard where he is getting treated," she said. 

On the day of the drive, two Bloodmobiles buses will be parked outside on Kelly St. at Highway 1 in Half Moon Bay. Music, food, a luau-themed lounge for donors and a raffle benefiting will add to the festivities.

According to Granahan, donors should budget about an hour to give blood, a four-step process that includes registration, a medical history intake, the blood draw and a rest period afterwards.

For their efforts, donors will receive a coupon for a free pint of ice cream from , a voucher for a free pint of chowder from , a free cup of soup from , and a free yogurt from (according to Granahan, the hot dog offer listed on the informational flyer attached is not correct).

Those who want to give back even more can sign up to join the Be the Match bone marrow registry onsite, or donate online at an Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation page set up in honor of Dusty. The foundation raises funds for childhood cancer research.

Granahan's daughter Kaila Clark created the page for her cousin, and hopes to raise $500. As of press time, Clark had already raised $70 towards her goal.

"Kaila wanted to add to the event," Granahan said. "I have to say I'm a proud mama!"

The 2nd Annual Coastside Blood Drive will be held on Mar. 31 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Kelly St. outside The BikeWorks in Half Moon Bay.

Those interested in donating should make an appointment by clicking on the Stanford Blood Center website here, click on "Make An Appointment" and type in "94019" to the zip code search box.

For more information on specific requirements for donating blood, click on the PDF document attached to the media box at right, or contact Colleen Granahan at 650.315.8584 or colleen.granahan@gmail.com.

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