On April 21, local children are invited to a blood-drive party at Gilroy First Baptist Church with games, a face painter, candy and pizza. Special prizes go to the children who decide to donate blood.
The blood will be given to the National Institute of Health for Niemann-Pick disease, an extremely rare childhood genetic disorder that is little understood and often fatal, said Rebecca Spencer, coordinator for the event.Â
Spencer’s 6-year-old son Johnathan, who will be at the event, was diagnosed with Niemann-Pick Type C two years ago.Â
The event is from noon to 3 p.m. at 8455 Wren Ave. and is open for children ages 3-11 and their parents, who need to be present to sign a consent form.Â
