The toddler was rushed to Oakland's Children's Hospital in dire condition with a severed liver and collapsed lung. She had lost 50 percent of the blood in her body by the time she arrived in the hospital emergency room.
"Doctors told her father and me that Molly had a less than 50 percent chance of surviving," said Molly's mother Monica Fraga.
But after several blood transfusions and two surgeries, Avilez made it. Today, for the second year in a row, 14-year-old Avilez is hosting her own "Keep Paying It Forward" blood drive at Diablo View Middle School.
"I am thankful for everyone who donates blood," said Avilez. "Every two seconds someone needs blood, and that's a lot of people who need help."
Due to a tremendous response last year, this year the American Red Cross Northern California Blood Services Region will expand its staff to accommodate up to 200 participants in Avilez's blood drive.
Event information:
1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Diablo View Middle School
300 Diablo View Ln.
Clayton, CA
Donors must be at least 17 years of age, be in good health and meet certain height and weight requirements.
Individuals can call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit www.redcrossblood.org. (Sponsor Code: MOLLY925) to schedule an appointment.
