Teenager Has Organized Successful Blood Drives
Thirteen-year-old Dwa Carson has collected dozens of blood units for Brenner Children's Hospital patients.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Thirteen-year-old Dwa Carson, who lives with sickle cell disease, has launched Dwa's Bundle of Care to support patients at Brenner Children's Hospital. Her initiatives include donating care packages and hosting community blood drives.
Why it matters
By organizing blood drives and distributing care bags filled with socks, hats, and gloves, Carson provides essential resources to patients receiving transfusions. Her work specifically addresses the need for blood availability for those diagnosed with sickle cell disease.
The most recent drive collected 24 units of blood, marking an increase from the 15 units gathered during the prior event. This successful effort included participation from 11 first-time blood donors.
The players
Dwa Carson
She is a 13-year-old advocate diagnosed with sickle cell disease who founded Dwa's Bundle of Care.
Brenner Children's Hospital
This facility provides specialized pediatric care and serves as the recipient of donations from Carson's initiatives.
Wake Forest University
This higher education institution hosts athletic events where community figures are frequently honored.
The details
Carson, who was diagnosed with sickle cell disease at two weeks old, created Dwa's Bundle of Care to provide warmth and comfort to children undergoing treatment. Beyond these efforts, the 2026 Carolina Dogwood Sweetheart was recently honored at a Wake Forest University football game.
Timeline
September 18, 2026: Dwa Carson participated in the coin toss at a Wake Forest University football game.
Market Landscape
This grassroots initiative follows established protocols found in the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute sickle cell disease blood transfusion guidelines. Her work aligns with broader efforts to stabilize blood supply chains for patients requiring chronic medical support.
Residents in the area can participate by donating blood to help meet the needs of local children with chronic conditions. Supporting these drives increases the total blood supply available to patients at the hospital.
The takeaway
Carson’s journey demonstrates how personal health challenges can inspire community-wide action to support local medical needs. Readers can look for opportunities to donate blood at local centers to support similar pediatric patient populations.
Further reading
For more information on charitable efforts in the area, visit Philanthropy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Myfox8.
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