When Madison Ringenberg was born, her doctors discovered she was suffering from DiGeorge Syndrome, a rare congenital disease. Madison immediately needed open heart surgery and many blood transfusions. Soon after, Madison’s body also stopped producing platelets and for three months she remained in the hospital receiving daily platelet transfusions.

During this same time, there was a platelet shortage and Madison was not receiving the sufficient amount of transfusions her body needed to survive. However, with the help of many wonderful friends and family and the Red Cross, Madison soon received the platelets she so desperately needed.

"When the Red Cross says there is a shortage they are not joking. It’s not like they have extra units of blood and platelets hiding somewhere," Lisa said. "Almost losing Madison because people do not give enough blood and platelets made me realize the importance of being a regular donor. The Red Cross became and still is our lifeline."

Click here to learn more about how Madison is doing.

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