Baby in need of Blood

[Glenda Cates]

Hello Boquete and David,We have a 3 week old baby in the Maternity hospital that needs ongoing O POSITIVE platelets from 1 pint per day until they can operate.We are calling our Blood Donors list but many have been out of the country in the last 6 months which disqualifies most of them.If you are O Pos, qualify with the requirements on the website below, and can go to Hospital Jose Domingo de Obaldia to help in the next few days or even next week, you will be able to do a wonderful thing for this baby.Frist go to this site and prequalify yourself. http://www.boquetehealth.org/blood_donor.htmlOne difference from the above qualifications is that the cut off age is the day you turn 65.And also you must NOT have been out of the country in the last 6 months. Unfortunately the US and Costa Rica included.If you qualify, then call the father who will meet you at the hospital’s Banco de Sangre to walk you though the system.The father, Bill Fitz, speaks Spanish and English. His number is 6616-5775.You might know some Panamanian friends that will go.Bill & Lourdes are happy to compensate if needed.The test does not take very long but the process might take up to 2-3 hours if there are many people there when you arrive.You might want to bring something to read.You must be at the hospital between 7 am and 12 noon. Preferably 8 – 10 to meet with Bill, the father.You must not eat breakfast or any food before you go.You can and should drink water.Bring your Panamanian cedula or ID card AND your passport (very important).If you happen to be in David and have not reached Bill, give the lab the baby’s info Matthew Fitz, Cedula # 4-872-1597The maternity hospital is the tall white building (part of the lower roof is blue) a little before Price Smart but on the opposite side of the street.As soon as you enter the main entrance of the hospital, walk to the left and the blood donation window is a few yards down on the right with a sign “Banco de Sangre”.Even if you can not go till next week please call Bill at 6616-5775 to make arrangements for then.Matthew may still need platelets next week until he is strong enough to have the operation.God Bless you all and this little baby too,Andrea and CharlotteVolunteers for Boquete Hospice Blood Donors listTo be added to the Blood Donor list email [e-mail]