Washington County 7-year-old and her family host blood drive for patients spending Thanksgiving hospitalized

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Years after almost losing so much, a Washington County family is continuing their tradition of giving back to those in need this holiday season.  

Seven-year-old Maddalena Tray was born in 2017 with liver failure, kidney failure and possible brain damage. She stayed in the hospital for 40 days, requiring 40 liters of blood transfusions. It's what inspired them to organize an annual blood drive, this year at the Peters Township Public Library. 

Maddalena's mom Nancy says she's doing well now, but that's not stopping them from helping gather donations that could help save someone else's life.

"They saved her life essentially, so that's why we feel the need to give back. If she wouldn't have received the blood that she did, she probably wouldn't be here today," Nancy Tray said.  

This is the seventh year Maddalena and her family have organized the blood drive. Maddalena says after all it took to save her life, her family wants to give back. 

"My blood drive is all about giving back to kids like me who had to stay in the hospital and be away from their families," she said in a news release. "I know what it's like to need help, and now, I want to help others too."

"People just are very generous with their time, you know, in terms of coming in, especially the day before Thanksgiving, to donate, but they do it because they say they want to help people like Maddalena and that they're able to," Nancy said. 

If you missed the event, you can still schedule an appointment to give blood at vitalant.org.