SAN ANTONIO -- Most people know that blood donations can be the gift of life. It's a fact you would need to multiply times four for one San Antonio family.
Francisco and Lidia Gallardo call their quadruplets 'gifts.' It's difficult to believe by looking at them today, that 8 years ago the three brothers and one sister were struggling to survive. Born at 23 weeks, the babies spent six months in the hospital and endured many surgeries including on the brain, the intestines and on their tiny hearts. During that time, they relied on many crucial blood transfusions.
"When they were in need of blood, they were yellowish or very pale" recalled dad Francisco. "Then when they received the blood they turned pink. So, it was really, really nice. It was a very, very beautiful experience."
"I've donated blood since I was a teenager," added mom Lidia. "So, I know it's kind of scary, but it's a personal fufillment that you are helping out."
Little Cassandra, the only girl in the quads, will continue to need future surgeries and blood transfusions throughout her life.
Today, Francisco and Lidia Gallardo say the whole family donates blood whenever they can. They added that it is important not only for their quadruplets to know how much donated blood helped them, but to also realize they need to give back and donate for others.
So how can you help? Join us on Friday for our "Holiday Heroes" Blood Drive & Marrow Registration. The July 4th weekend is a critical time for blood donations. Supplies typically run low. Just stop by the donor pavilion off I-10 and First Park Ten Boulevard from six in the morning to six at night.
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