BloodCenter of Wisconsin names Waukesha youth as parade grand marshal

BloodCenter of Wisconsin and Waukesha City Chamber have selected 5-year-old Kiefer Sam of Waukesha as the grand marshal for the 2013 Waukesha Christmas Parade. BloodCenter is the title sponsor for the 51st annual parade, to be held Sunday, November 24, at 4 p.m.

Kiefer is an energetic and happy boy who enjoys riding his bike and playing with his cousins. But he also makes time each week for blood work, something most 5-year-olds don’t have to think about. Kiefer was born with a rare and life-threatening condition called biliary atresia. He endured many surgeries and procedures, including a liver transplant. More than 20 blood transfusions helped Kiefer stay strong throughout his treatment.

Proud parents Thomas and Katie Sam call Kiefer their “walking miracle.” They are especially grateful to BloodCenter of Wisconsin for its leading-edge work in blood services and organ and tissue recovery.

“Obviously the liver transplant was life-saving, but every time Kiefer receives blood, it’s just as important,” said Katie. “Without the blood he probably wouldn’t be here.”

Katie and Thomas talk openly with everyone, including Kiefer, about his health.

“As a blood recipient, whatever happens to him happens to the people around him,” Katie said. The family is happy to be highlighted as a visible example of the impact of blood donation.

With the upcoming holidays and as schedules become filled with plans and preparations, BloodCenter often sees a decline in blood donations. But just one hour of a donor’s time can impact someone’s life — a patient dealing with serious injuries, facing surgery or fighting cancer. The generous gift of blood donation could help a patient to feel well enough to take part in activities most people take for granted, such as enjoying the upcoming holidays with loved ones.

Blood donations may be made by any healthy individual aged 17 or older. Parental consent is required for 16-year-olds to donate blood, and the entire process takes about one hour. Donors should bring photo ID showing the donor’s birth date.

“We can’t think of a better message to make the centerpiece of the parade,” says chamber executive director Jim Hahn, “than one which captures the very essence of both thankfulness and gift-giving that blood donation represents so vividly.”

Grand Marshal Kiefer has been practicing waving and is excited about seeing many friends, as well as his grandparents, among the spectators along the parade route. He and his parents will be carried by horse-drawn carriage near the front of the line-up of nearly 100 units as they begin marching down Main Street at White Rock Avenue on Sunday afternoon.