Barnstead Family Thanks Blood Donors Amid Daughter’s Cancer Battle
BARNSTEAD, N.H. — The Bellemare family is expressing deep gratitude to blood donors after their daughter, Lucy, 10, overcame leukemia, recently entering remission. Lucy’s cancer diagnosis came swiftly in January 2024 after weeks of unexplained fevers. Her mother, Chrissy Roberge, recalls the emotional upheaval: “On a Monday, we were planning a vacation; by Wednesday, we were telling everyone Lucy has cancer.”
Lucy has received around 30 blood and platelet transfusions as part of her treatment for B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Roberge emphasizes the critical role of blood donations in their journey, stating, "We’re so thankful that every time she’s needed it, it has been available, and that’s because of blood donations."
Ivan Bellemare, Lucy’s father and an employee at the American Red Cross’s Donor Recruitment Department, describes the experience as a personal mission. He urges potential donors to contribute, saying, “If you’re thinking about doing it, please get in the game.”
In a show of community support, the family organized a blood drive this spring and is promoting the upcoming WMUR Blood Drive on June 6, which will feature seven locations statewide. Lucy expressed joy over the efforts for “cancer kids,” while her mother hailed blood donors as superheroes.
For details on how to donate, visit wmur.com or download the WMUR mobile app.
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