Special to the Item
The Picayune Item
PICAYUNE —
There will be a fundraiser and blood drive on behalf of Victoria Moffett, of Picayune, at The Blood Center’s Picayune Donor Center on Saturday, December 15th, between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Moffett is the 15-year-old daughter of Rene’ and Melissa Cortes; the sister of 12-year-old Leonard Moffett and 8-year-old Cassie Cortes; and granddaughter of Johanna Durapau.
Moffett was diagnosed with Pilocytic Atrocytoma on Christmas Day, 2011. She is currently being treated at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans, La. Pilocytic astrocytoma is a type of cancerous brain tumor that rarely spreads into surrounding tissues. Starting in brain cells called astrocytes, this type of tumor is slow-growing tumor but can become very large.
Pilocytic astrocytoma can affect parts of the brain that control balance and coordination. It is the most commonly diagnosed brain tumor in children and also occurs in young adults.
Donors can donate blood every 56 days. To donate you must be in good health, at least 17 years of age and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds. However, 16-year-olds who weigh at least 130 pounds can donate with a signed “Blood Center” parental consent. Go to http://www.thebloodcenter.org" to download a copy. There is no upper age limit. Wait one year after a body piercing. Individuals with high blood pressure (below 180/100) or controlled diabetes can now donate. If you have medical questions or have been out of the country since 1980, call The Blood Center’s Donor Center to verify that you can donate. Please drink a lot of fluids and eat before donating. A picture ID is required to donate blood.
The Blood Center’s Picayune Donor Center is located at 318 Memorial Boulevard (in strip center that houses Delta World Tire). Sign up by contacting either Melissa Cortez at 985-533-6182, Picayune Donor Center at 601-798-9693 or Suzy Potter at 504-939-9609 or spotter@thebloodcenter.org.
If you cannot donate blood, please come by and participate in the multiple raffles to help with Victoria’s medical expenses.
