Our May Champion: Melissa Gulledge
It is no surprise who the May Champion of the Month is: Melissa Gulledge! On February 29th 2012, 2 days after her 8th birthday, Savannah received news that her Leukemia had returned. Just two years prior, doctors had told her she was cancer free. After hearing this news, Melissa organized a drive in honor of this amazing girl.
Savannah knows what it takes to beat the disease, and Melissa knew she wouldn’t be able to do it on her own. Leukemia patients require weekly blood transfusions, possible bone marrow transplants, and along the way they accrue significant hospital bills. Melissa took action, to ensure Savannah knew she was not alone in this fight!
Over 500 people in the community showed their support:
- 81 units of blood were collected, impacting over 240 lives.
- 61 new names were added to Be The Match’s National Bone Marrow Registry.
- $1,030 was raised for Be The Match.
- And OVER $10,000 was raised for Savannah and her family.
Melissa impacted not only Savannah’s life but the lives of the community! Local patients received the blood they needed for their treatments. Other Leukemia patients across the nation have 61 new names that might be the match. Melissa took a call to action and produced a remarkable impact.
It only takes 30 minutes to save 3 lives! If you want to help save local lives or become a community champion call Kim Jones at (704) 972-4727.