LAPLACE — When Jodi Luna lost her 11-year-old daughter, Julia, in 2015, it was devastating.

It also was amazing, she said, to see the community rally around her family.

So when one of Julia’s classmates at St. Joan of Arc School recently was diagnosed with a rare blood disease, Luna knew she had to spring into action.

Kamryn Scales, 12, the daughter of Kurt Scales Sr. and Candice Sorapureu Scales, was diagnosed in November with Aplastic Anemia, a blood disorder in which bone marrow doesn’t make enough blood cells for the body.

Since her diagnosis, Kamryn has needed 10 transfusions of red blood cells and platelets and will need many more.

“Kamryn and Julia were friends and Kamryn used to be in my Girl Scouts troop,” Luna said. “When I found out about her illness, I decided I’m going to try and do for her because this community did a lot for us. I wanted to do something for her. I just have to do something.”

Luna organized a Celebrity Waiter event held last week at New Orleans Hamburger and Seafood Co. in LaPlace.

Called “Kare for Kamryn,” a group of friends, family and teachers from St. Joan of Arc served as waiters for the event, working for tips for Kamryn and her family.

Besides the more than $1,400 raised from diners, Luna was stunned when the Oldies but Goodies dance and social club from Norco donated a check for $1,000 to the cause.

“When they heard about it, they just decided to donate this check,” Luna said. “We were just shocked.”

Luna said the Scales family will need the help to defray medical expenses as well as travel expenses as they make frequent trips to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

Of more immediate need, however, is blood.

Replacement blood donations may be made for Kamryn at any Blood Center, including the LaPlace Blood Center, located at 123 Belle Terre Blvd.

Donors should specify their donation is for Kamryn Scales.

Donor blood must be CMV (Cytomegalovirus) negative and will be tested for the virus after donation. All blood types are needed.

Donors must be at least 17 years of age and a minimum of 110 pounds. Anyone 16 years old who weighs at least 130 pounds may donate with a signed Blood Center parental consent form.

There is no upper age limit. Individuals with high blood pressure (below 180/100) or controlled diabetes may donate. You cannot donate if you have been exposed to hepatitis or are taking heart medication.

A photo ID is required. Donors should eat a good meal and drink plenty of fluids before donating.

For more information, contact the Blood Center at 985-652-9256.

Anyone wishing to donate to the Scales family may contact Luna at 504-559-3965.