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LAPLACE — Carson Landry, the 3-year-old son of Raymond “Shrimp” Landry and Paige Landry, was diagnosed with blood cancer (leukemia) on Friday, July 8, 2022. Ongoing chemotherapy will be administered to eradicate cancer cells. Treatment can last as long as one to three years.

Unfortunately, chemotherapy can also affect healthy blood cells, requiring transfusions. Carson needed his first blood transfusion on July 9, just one day after being diagnosed, and then more over the next two days.

Urgently needed are first-time blood donors or those who haven’t donated in a while. Donations help ensure blood is available for Carson and other patients in need of life-saving transfusions.

A blood drive will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 24 at the St. Charles Catholic High School gymnasium. The goal is to reach 35 blood donations.

For every blood donation made in Carson’s name, The Blood Center will issue a monetary payment to help with out-of-pocket medical expenses not covered by insurance, such as gas, his  parents’ meals while in the hospital, and prescription deductibles.

Appointments are immediately needed. Please visit https://www.tbcdonors.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/47171?fbclid=IwAR14ou6gHXOZlt3XHCv9v8svZZhYVcXyLi7gAZdBbIDKHAUqw2epAq4N1NY

To donate blood, individuals must be 17 years or older in good health and weigh at least 110 pounds. Sixteen-year-olds can donate with The Blood Center’s Parental Consent form if they weigh at least 130 pounds. Don’t forget to eat a good meal before donating and to bring a form of ID. For more information, visit TheBloodCenter.org or call (800)86-BLOOD.