Valerio Ceja is a six-year-old who has been through three heart surgeries and several blood transfusions. (Photo provided)

ST. CLAIRSVILLE – This March, the nonprofit Vitalant is thanking donors who take the time to donate with a chance to win $10,000.

Donors of every blood type are needed daily for patients who need transfusions during surgery, for treatment of blood disorders and many other life-threatening conditions. The need is especially great for type O blood which is critical when car accidents and other emergencies leave no time to match a patient’s blood type. Platelet donations are also constantly needed, most often to help cancer patients.

Six-year-old Valerio Ceja has been through three heart surgeries and several blood transfusions. He was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a congenital heart defect, which left untreated, leaves one side of the heart too small to pump enough blood through the body.

“Valerio is happy, thriving and he loves to travel, Liliana Ceja, Valerio’s mom said. “He’s living his life to the fullest thanks to blood donors.”

Making an appointment is the first step toward saving lives. Visit vitalant.org, download the Vitalant app or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).

Drives are planned for March 18 at Belmont College’s Dowler Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursday and March 19 at St Clairsville Church of Christ’s Fellowship Hall located at 47694 Reservoir Rd. from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.