When Paisley and Adeline entered the world in October 2024, their family was expecting the joyful chaos of newborn twins. Instead, their lives changed in an instant. Paisley was born with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), a serious brain injury caused by limited oxygen and blood flow to the brain.
At just 2 weeks old, tiny Paisley faced challenges no newborn should endure. Back-to-back blood and platelet transfusions gave her a second chance at life.
“When Paisley and Adeline were born, we never imagined how quickly our world would change,” said their mother, Isabella. “Paisley faced incredible challenges in her first days, and it was the generosity of blood donors that gave her the strength to keep fighting. Because of them, she got a second chance, and we got to bring both of our girls home. We will always be grateful for the gift they gave our family.”
Paisley is now thriving, and she’s a vibrant reminder of what blood donors make possible.
To honor her journey, the Galvan family hosted an American Red Cross of Wisconsin blood drive last August and will host another this March, inviting their community to give blood and platelets in Paisley’s honor.
“We want to share this story not just to raise awareness for HIE but to say thank you to the blood donors who made her recovery possible,” Isabella said.
A sufficient blood supply is critical for patients like Paisley. During this severe blood shortage, blood donations are needed to ensure lifesaving care.
Make an appointment to give: https://rdcrss.org/4kobNpF
