Lives Touched

Pat Fonzo

In 2007, Pat Fonzo was a seemingly healthy person doing his routine chore of cutting his lawn when suddenly he began experiencing shortness of breath. Two days later, Pat was diagnosed with some severe heart problems that required him to undergo bypass surgery. Doctors informed Pat's family that he was gravely ill. Pat immediately received the equivalent of 34 LifeStream blood products in the form of packed cells, platelets, plasma and cryoprecipitate. Pat's prognosis was dire and over the course of a few weeks, there was uncertainty about his potential recovery. After nearly 6 weeks, Pat began to turn the corner and started a slow and difficult recovery. Now two years later, Pat enjoys playing golf and spending time with his family. LifeStream helps save lives by connecting donors and patients through the gift of blood. Your donation gives families another chance at life with their precious loved ones.

Natalie Tanner

When Natalie Tanner was just three months old, her family received the worst news possible . Natalie had an aggressive brain cancer. Neurosurgery at Loma Linda University Medical Center that partially removed her tumor required several units of blood from heroes who donated blood at LifeStream. Doctors gave Natalie just months to live, so cancer dominated the lives of her parents, Andrew and Kristen, and her then two-year-old brother Carson. They even planned her funeral, complete with pink balloons and her favorite lullabies. But then the impossible happened. Natalie's tumor began to shrink. Today, Natalie is a healthy three-year-old, a little chatterbox, and best of all, cancer-free.

Paul DiLorenzo

Paul DiLorenzo was diagnosed with thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder, at the age of one. Paul has received well over 2,000 units of blood over his lifetime and will continue to receive blood every three weeks for the rest of his life. Paul and his wife, Melissa, enjoy their wonderful life together because people give the gift of life. Your commitment, compassion, and hope give Paul and others like him a second chance at life. Donate blood today and help save lives through the gift of blood.

Sharlan Skrupa

Born four months premature, Sharlan Skrupa weighed just 1-pound, 9-ounces. She received her first blood transfusion within 24 hours of her birth and spent three months in the neonatal intensive care unit. Like many premature infants, Sharlan battled a variety of conditions, including jaundice, respiratory issues and anemia. During her hospital stay, she received a total of 15 blood transfusions to treat her anemia and improve the oxygen level in her blood. Today, she is a healthy, vibrant two-year-old affectionately known as “Shar the Star” by her family and the hospital staff that provided her early care.

Indra and Zulma Michaca

Indra Michaca became ill at her 7-year-old cousin’s birthday party. Her family took her to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with kidney stones and severe dehydration. She received fluids and was released. A few days later, she fell into a coma and was rushed to the hospital. This time, her doctors diagnosed fulminating liver failure. She was placed on the transplant list and miraculously received her liver the next day. She received numerous units of blood before, during and after her transplant surgery. Indra and her sister Zulma now share the importance of blood and organ donation with their peers.