Mother thanks community after blood donations save young daughter's life.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Emmi Bradley is a little girl whose life was turned upside-down last year. Now, her mother is thanking the community after 40 blood transfusions and platelet transfusions — made possible through blood drives — saved the 5-year-old's life.

The trouble began when mysterious bruises showed up on Emmi's body. It led to a shocking diagnosis: severe aplastic anemia.

"It was a lot to take in. And we did not realize the road we had ahead of us," said Stephanie Bradley, Emmi's mom.

Emmi's bone marrow simply couldn't produce enough red blood cells, her mom explained. For an entire year, the little girl's survival hinged on transfusions every 2-3 days, thanks to volunteers from the Red Cross.

"She received 40 blood transfusions and platelet transfusions in her short time, and she's a small child," Stephanie said.

Emmi's life finally went back to normal thanks to a bone marrow transplant and all those transfusions.

Emmi now has another chance to dance, dream and thrive. She enjoys making her own performances, doing gymnastics and has a passion for Disney princesses. Her family said it's amazing how acts of kindness like donating blood can have a ripple effect to save a life.

"I don't know if I can truly put into words …but thank you from the bottom of my heart you don't understand that this saved my daughter's life," Stephanie said.

The Red Cross said blood donations slow way down during the holidays, despite the need remaining the same. The organization said Emmi's story is an example of how more community engagement can directly support saving a life this time of year.

"There are so many other kids out there like her unfortunately and they need a blood donations to survive," said Isabel Anderson, a spokesperson with the American Red Cross.