We still are going to UW Children’s Hospital for monthly IVIG treatments followed by two days of steriods and tylenol and benedryl. This keeps his immune system strong and protects him from sickness. The scare of H1N1 has us back in a so-called isolation mode. We will stay home alot this winter and definately stay away from playlands, and public areas that may invite the germs and viruses.

Hayden’s immune system is so far, doing well, but we are really in the dark as to what he can handle and what he can’t. We have been very lucky to not have the flu virus around us and the worst has been colds that require the inhalers and the nebulizer. Without complete vaccinations (waiting for antibodies to start increasing in numbers) we rely on IVIG to protect him from the virus world!

One thing that has been close to my heart this past year was the Red Cross of Madison, Wisconsin. I have spoke at their chapter meetings, staff meetings and will be present at the Holiday Blood Drive, Dec. 24 in Madison, to thank all the donors for their donation. They have used Hayden’s story to help increase awareness of how many children and adults are in need of blood on a regular basis to keep them alive.

Sun Prairie recently hosted a blood drive and the Sun Prairie Star featured an article honoring Hayden.

Article : To most people Red Cross Blood Drive is just something that comes around once in a while, something that they might not even pay attention to. But for one Sun Prairie family, blood drives hold a special place in their hearts.

Two year old Hayden Blatter knows exactly how life saving blood donations can be. Born with Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome, an auto-immune disease causing his platelet count to drop dramatically, Hayden had to receive weekly blood transfusions since he was born.

“Hayden has had over 30 platelet transfusions,” said Kami Blatter, his mother. “If he didn’t have these transfusions he probably would have hemorrhaged in the head or just bled out if he got hurt or fell and probably died.”

Thankfully, Hayden received a bone marrow transplant in July of last year and after 100 days in isolation, is now able to function like a normal child.

“His immune system was strong enough to be in public this March. He went back to daycare in August and he’s been a normal boy ever since,” Blatter said.

Even with this improvement, Hayden still has to receive Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) once a month, perhaps for the rest of his life, which provides him with antibodies to help boost his immune system.

Blatter now helps promote the Red Cross and has spoken at staff and chapter meetings in the area. Being a carrier of Wiskott-Aldrich she can’t donate herself, but she still tries to give her time as much as she can.

“There’s so many people out there that need transfusions on a weekly monthly basis, the more people help donating then people don’t have to think twice about getting the transfusions,” Blatter said.

Those who would like to help can on Tuesday, Oct. 27, when the American Red Cross will be having a blood drive from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Sun Prairie United Methodist Church at 702 North Street. Walk-ins are welcome, especially between 3 and 5, but appointments can be made by calling 1-800-448-3543 or visiting www.giveblodgivelife.org. The American Red Cross needs all types of donors to keep up with the growing need for blood. Student or retiree, and everyone in between, patients at more than 3,000 hospitals across the United States need your help. With the volume of blood transfused to patients increasing at a rate of 6 to 8 percent per year, now more than ever, the Red Cross needs people to step forward and become regular blood donors.

It has been some time since we gave you an update on the BIG 2 year old. Since his “Celebration of Life” party Hayden has given up the pacifier, can take or leave his Cuddly, but still LOVES to cuddle him in his crib, and soon will outgrow his crib.

Hayden’s health is still doing really good. He and Abby have had the common cold and we have had to start Hayden back up on his inhalers for the Viral-Induced Asthma. He is really doing well with the two inhalers (Flovent & Albuteral) and he even counts along with me up to 5 as he breathes through the spacer. He is quite the little card!

He still adores his sister who usually spoils him with kisses and hugs! He mimics her every move.

Rick has wanted to build a playhouse for the kids for awhile, so Labor Day weekend he started construction on one. Abby loves it inside while Hayden walks around with his little hammer pounding after Daddy!