Press Release

ST. ROSE – Lisa Carroll, fourth-grade student at St. Rose Elementary School, recently received a bone marrow transplant and is recovering at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans.

But her battle is not over. Lisa is facing leukemia, and will need continual care once she goes home. “Her lifeline is platelets and blood,” said St. Rose teacher Alisha Reine.

Reine assisted with coordinating a Bone Marrow Screening/Blood Drive last year for the youngster. Although a match was not found from that drive, or from another one following, many people participated – 214 donated at the St. Rose School Drive, and 30 donated at the Fire Station Drive.

A match was eventually found, from a child’s umbilical cord, and Lisa had surgery Jan. 23. “She is doing as well as can be expected,” said Reine.

During this critical time, Lisa’s immune system and blood count must remain strong, she added. “She needs this strength in order to fight off any infections, or anything else that would compromise her condition. She is in need of continuous blood transfusions and platelets.”

To address this need, the Blood Center is holding a Blood Drive in Lisa’s name from 1 to 6 p.m., Monday, Feb. 16 at St. Rose Elementary School, 230 Pirate Drive.

You must be at least 17 years old and weigh a minimum of 110 lbs. to donate. A picture ID is required. All blood types are needed, especially Type O.

In addition, monetary donations can be made to The Lisa Carroll Fund at any Hibernia Bank.

For more information, call the Blood Center at (504) 592-1573; or Alisha Reine at (504) 464-9254.