It's not uncommon to see blood drives here at the American Red Cross, but this particular blood drive is being put on in the name of one special girl to help out kids in need.
12-year-old Lauren Cunningham was diagnosed with Leukemia back in 2014, but she didn't let that stop her from bringing the community together to help not only her health, but the health of other kids. The Red Cross has held blood drives in her name, and Lauren says it's great to see so many people helping out.
"It's awesome to see how many people come out and in my name - it's awesome to see how many people would come out at all, and while some people are like 'I can't do it now' they'll do it whenever, so then we actually get more people to donate even if they can't do it the day of, they'll do it another day," said Lauren.
So far the Red Cross has collected over 450 units of blood in Lauren's name over seven blood drives, and that's a pretty big accomplishment.
"It's awesome and I'm very proud and happy that people come out and still continue to come out even though I'm not getting blood anymore," said Lauren.
Many of those that participated in the blood drive know Lauren and were willing to stick an arm out to help out her cause.
"It's a rewarding feeling; it's nice to come out and talk to Lauren and see her doing well, she does a good job going around and visiting with everyone and thanking them for their support, it's just a rewarding feeling," said Madison Clark, who donated blood.
The eighth Team Lauren blood drive had a goal of 50 units to bring the grand total up to 500 units of blood collected in Lauren's name.
