PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — A Passaic County community is rallying behind an 11-year-old girl who is battling a rare blood cancer.
Viviana "Viv" Gill, of Totowa, was recently diagnosed with blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm, or BPDCN, a rare blood cancer that is more often diagnosed in older adults.
According to her family, concerns began when Viviana, juggling two softball teams, cheerleading, and more, began feeling aches earlier this year.
Her family initially blamed the pain on her intense and active hobbies, until she began experiencing nosebleeds, unusual bruising, and small red or purple spots on her legs.
Tests showed that Vivian's platelet count was "dangerously low," leading to her BPDCN diagnosis.
In June, Vivian began undergoing chemotherapy treatment at St. Joseph's University Medical Center in Paterson. Her mother says she's the first pediatric patient to be treated for BPDCN at that hospital.
After spending 20 days in the hospital, she now gets outpatient treatment, returning to St. Joseph's often for procedures, tests, and more.
What makes her feel immensely better, according to her mother, is blood and platelet transfusions. The difference is noticeable, she says.
"It's lifesaving," Amanda Gill said. "Every time she gets a transfusion, she feels so much better."
So, with the help of Vitalant, one of the largest nonprofit blood and biotherapies healthcare organizations in the nation, a blood drive is being held to help Vivian continue receiving these transfusions.
On Oct. 20, from 2 to 8 p.m., a blood drive in honor of Vivian will be held at Barnyard Carriage House, 754 Totowa Road in Totowa. Click here to make an appointment.
Organizers said appointments are encouraged, and donors should bring a photo ID, eat a healthy meal, and drink plenty of water before donating.
Vivian is attending school virtually when she is up for it, and was forced to step away from her softball and cheerleading hobbies. Her family hopes her story will inspire people to donate blood not only for Vivian, but for other children fighting a similar fight.
"Giving back is important because of how much it takes to sustain one person when they're going through this," Amanda said.
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