A 28-year-old helping his dad run the family farm, Jerad McConnell had hit his stride. He was at his prime of young adult life, having graduated from Vincennes University, not married, enjoying the carefree lifestyle afforded to a bachelor.
It was September when he first felt the nagging pain in his lower back. After dealing with it for several days thinking it was overuse from a hard day’s work on the farm, a visit to his family doctor in Princeton, Ind., lead to an ultrasound and a referral to an Indianapolis hospital. Within the week, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer.
Ready and eager to fight the disease, Jerad, with his family at his side, endured months of surgeries and chemotherapy. In one particular surgery, his aorta ruptured and he required an emergency transfusion of some 60 units of blood. Keep in mind that the typical male body has but between nine and 12 units.
Jerad’s story, though complete with the medical ups and downs experienced by most cancer patients, is a short one. Ten months after diagnosis, Jerad passed away.
The McConnell family hosted their first Indiana Blood Center blood drive in 2002, looking for a positive outreach for the community to respond to his death. Now years later, the tradition continues with an annual blood drive held each September in Jerad’s hometown.
Firm in the belief that life is a gift to be cherished, the McConnell’s appreciate still today the selfless act of the their fellow Hoosiers who donated the blood that saved their son even for just a few more months.
“Our time with Jerad was so precious,” his mother said. “Without the adequate supply of blood when Jerad was in emergency need, his battle would have ended even sooner. We are committed to the cause and will do all we can to encourage others to donate to Indiana Blood Center.”
Click here to meet other Hoosiers whose lives have been touched by Indiana Blood Center.