Toddler’s family inspired to give back: “Donating blood truly saves lives”

By Laura McGuire, American Red Cross

Violet Prust is a happy and energetic four-year-old.

In April 2020, she was diagnosed with lymphocytic leukemia. Throughout her treatments she has received many blood transfusions.

“The most recent blood transfusion was one of the scariest,” said Korbyn Prust, Violet’s mother. “We would have definitely lost her had it not been for blood donors. Donating blood truly saves lives.”

Violet is doing well and is in the maintenance phase of her treatment. However, in the near future, there is a possibility she will require more transfusions.

After seeing Violet’s need for blood products, the family wants to give back and ensure other families have blood available to them when it’s needed.

The Prust family will host a Red Cross blood drive in honor of Violet on Wednesday, Nov. 17 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Watertown Senior Citizens Center, 514 S. First St. in Watertown. The public is invited to make an appointment for this blood drive in honor of Violet to keep the blood inventory stable for all those who rely on blood transfusions.

Donating blood with the Red Cross is a simple act of kindness you can do in about an hour and can help patients like Violet.

Make an appointment to give blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).