BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — A Boise teenager going through chemotherapy has a message for people considering donating blood.
This Christmas, she and her family are hoping for the greatest gift of all: life. The Severns are getting blood transfusions for their 15-year-old daughter Jessie, who has leukemia.
They say it's one of the few things that help.
"Initially we had sent out a plea to everybody to get in and donate right away," said Jennifer, Jessie's mom.
The treatments can be difficult for Jessie, but there is one thing she likes about going to the hospital.
"Usually when we have to stay at the hospital I get to see the nurses," said Jessie.
She and her family frequently make the 40-minute drive from their home to the cancer center at St. Luke's in Boise. Doctors tell her that she'll be undergoing cancer treatment for two and a half years.
The sight of needles might make some squeamish, but not her.
"I had to get them when I had diabetes, on my fingers and arms," said Jessie.
Donating blood isn't easy for everyone, but the Severns want people to try, for their daughter.
"It's actually not scary. You know, it's not as scary as you think it is," said Jennifer.
The family has a GoFundMe account to help pay for their daughter's treatment. People interested in donating blood can do so through the American Red Cross.
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