Blood Drive Mobilizes 100+ for Teen Cancer Patient

A community-driven blood donation campaign mobilized over 112 people in São Paulo state to support a 14-year-old girl undergoing cancer treatment. The teenager, diagnosed with a tumor between her lung and heart, required urgent transfusions following a severe infection.

The campaign was organized by her father, Thiago Antônio de Melo, who shared the request on social media. Donors traveled from cities across two states to the Associação Beneficente de Coleta de Sangue (Colsan) in Sorocaba. The teenager is currently recovering from her infection and continuing chemotherapy treatment.

A massive blood donation campaign brought together more than 100 people to support a 14-year-old girl from Itararé, São Paulo. The teenager was diagnosed with cancer in February 2025, specifically a tumor located between her lung and heart.

After 11 months of treatment, she suffered a serious infection that required hospitalization in the Intensive Care Unit at the Grupo de Pesquisa e Assistência ao Câncer Infantil (GPACI). The infection necessitated urgent blood and platelet transfusions.

The campaign began during the last week of December 2025. Her father, Thiago Antônio de Melo, shared the request for help across social media platforms. The appeal reached residents, friends, and family members throughout the region.

According to the Ministry of Health, a single blood donation can save up to four lives. This statistic highlights the broader impact of the community's response.

The campaign successfully mobilized donors from multiple cities across São Paulo and Paraná. Participants traveled from Itapeva, Itapetininga, Itararé, Ibiúna, and Sorocaba.

Notably, residents also came from Sengés, located in the state of Paraná, to donate blood and platelets. The father noted that the movement was significant, emphasizing that the donations would help save lives beyond just his daughter.

Thiago Antônio de Melo also participated in the campaign, donating blood for his daughter. He committed to becoming a regular donor in the future.

"Gratidão ao próximo. Emociona, com certeza. Eu tenho que agradecer. Através da Yasmin, eles vão conseguir salvar mais vidas," the father stated, expressing his gratitude for the community's support.

The teenager is currently in recovery following the infection. Her father reported that she is doing well and is in a recovery process.

She has been undergoing chemotherapy treatment once per week at the GPACI. According to her father, the lymphoma has decreased following these treatments.

The family describes the teenager as a smart and happy girl who is passionate about horses. She owns three animals and previously participated in prova do laço comprido (long lasso competition).

The campaign concluded with 112 people mobilized. The father expressed that the experience was gratifying and highlighted the unity of the people.