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Why Kennedy Estes is looking for help from a hero this Christmas

Posted at 3:53 PM, Dec 22, 2015
and last updated 2015-12-22 15:53:16-05

COLONIAL HEIGHTS, Va. — Kennedy Estes has gone to the hospital 12 times since May. The 12-year-old Colonial Heights girl is battling lupus. The condition requires her to undergo a 12-hour blood transfusion every few weeks. The American Red Cross is holding a blood drive in Kennedy’s honor.

“The American Red Cross is hosting a blood drive in honor of a Virginia girl who is loved by many and is battling a disease that requires her to receive blood products,” Red Cross spokeswoman Kristen Hatfield said. “Walk-ins are welcome, but donors are encouraged to make an appointment to donate blood at redcrossblood.org using sponsor code HOPEforKennedy, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.”

Blood Drive In Honor of Kennedy Estes
Tuesday, Dec. 29
2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Colonial Heights Middle School cafeteria
500 Conduit Road, Colonial Heights, VA 23834

“Diseases do not take holidays. Kennedy as well as her friends at Hemoc clinic will still need these blood products throughout the holiday season,” Kimberly Estes, Kennedy’s mother, said. “Everyone has the opportunity to be a hero. Be my daughter’s hero and donate.”