Midwest City Dance Studio Holds Blood Drive In Honor Of Little Ballerina

In many ways, Lybie Young is a typical 7 year old who enjoys reading, playing outside with her little sister and dancing. But unlike most children, this young ballerina-in-training also has received 10 pints of lifesaving blood to treat gastrointestinal bleeds.

To help raise awareness of the ongoing need for blood, Lybie's dance studio, DMC Dance, is holding a blood drive in her honor.

"We're happy to help make people aware of how important it is to donate blood," said Susan Young, Lybie's mom. "Helping raise awareness that blood must be donated for those who need it allows us to feel like we are giving back."

Lybie's health struggles began at birth with the discovery that her liver was actually positioned externally. When she was 2 years old, Lybie underwent surgery to reposition her liver. Unfortunately, enlarged esophageal blood vessels caused Lybie to have episodes of internal bleeding.

"I'm so happy to be honoring Lybie's determination and helping others know how important it is to give blood," said Christy Johnson, DMC Dance owner and director. "We invite the community to help us celebrate this special young dancer and do a good thing at the same time."

DMC Dance is hosting an American Red Cross blood drive honoring Lybie Young on Wednesday, October 23 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 9110 Harmony Drive in Midwest City.

Every two seconds, a patient in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion. Blood products can be used to treat cancer patients, trauma victims, organ transplant recipients, premature babies,

sickle cell disease patients, and many more.