Howell Teen's Blood, Platelet Drive Aims To Help Save Others' Lives

HOWELL, NJ — When Riley Risden was first diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia five years ago, blood and platelet transfusions were a critical part of her life.

"After receiving a few transfusions Riley turns to me and says, Mom, what about the other people that also need blood. I feel bad using all of this blood for myself. What if the blood bank runs out for others?" Chrissy Risden wrote in a post on Facebook.

She explained to her then 10-year-old daughter how people donate to blood banks to help those in need, a conversation that sparked a request from Riley: to host blood and platelet drives to help others in need of blood.

"There were a few moments during treatment that we thought there would not be platelets available for her when needed," Chrissy Risden said. "You can imagine how scary that was to hear when a child so desperately needed them to survive."

Now 15, Riley is cancer-free and on a mission to give back and help others who need blood and platelets. The family is hosting Riley's Gift of Life blood and platelet drive on Wednesday at Adelphia Volunteer Fire Department Station 2 at 993 Route 33.

The drive is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

This is the third blood drive the Risdens have held to fulfill their promise to Riley to give back.

"There are so many amazing humans that donate regularly to keep the blood banks full for all that may need it," Chrissy Risden wrote, and that was critical during Riley's 2-1/2 years of treatment, as the multiple transfusions of blood and platelets gave her the strength to fight for her life.

All who donate will receive a commemorative T-shirt. Blood donors will receive a $10 gift card to Wawa, and those who donate platelets will receive a $20 Wawa gift card.

Donors are reminded to bring a photo ID and eat and drink before donating.

Appointments are strongly encouraged and can be made online at giveblood.rwjbh.org, or by emailing Riley at rr.gstroop60771@gmail.com. Walk-ins are welcomed.

There were too many moments throughout treatment that we did not know if she would make it through but thankfully she is here with us today cancer-free and continuing her mission to give back," Chrissy Risden wrote.

"Donating blood or platelets costs you nothing but your time," she wrote. "You never know when you or a loved one may need this life-saving gift."

More about Riley: 'I'm Still The Same Person': Howell Teen Aims To Help Cancer Patients Feel Acceptance