Courtney's Courage Blood Drive Held August 4 - Goal Exceeded
South Lyon Medical Center's Blood Drive for Country Cliften held on August 4 was a huge success. The goal to raise between 35 and 40 units was well exceeded with 52 units of blood drawn. Special thanks to all who donated.
The Blood Drive was set up to assist local resident Courtney Cliften, whose father Mike has been a physical therapist at SLMC for over 20 years.Days after her graduation from Yerington High School in early June, Courtney became ill with severe respiratory distress. She was airlifted to Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, where doctors determined she should be transported to Salt Lake City.
Courtney was diagnosed with pneumonia, a pulmonary embolism and acute respiratory distress syndrome. She has been an extremely healthy young woman, so this illness came unexpectedly. She has also required transfusions of over 200 pints of blood (the average human body has 10 pints).
Her parents, Mike and Cindy Cliften, have stayed with her in Salt Lake City as she courageously battles for her life; and these transfusions have been essential to her eventual recovery, along with her own determination, her family's support and excellent care from the doctors at Primary Children's Medical Center.
United Blood Services has agreed to allow donations to continue throughout the month of August in Courtney's name. Anyone wanting to donate may do so at one of United Blood Services offices located in Reno (775-329-0454), Sparks (775-354-2929) or Carson City (775-887-9111).
