By By ERIN VER BERKMOES / Niles Daily Star
BUCHANAN - A community is gathering to support one of its own.
A blood drive is taking place for 11-year-old Buchanan resident Kyle Zelmer, Wednesday, July 27, from noon to 6 p.m. at the American Legion Post No. 51, located a 403 E. Front St., in Buchanan.
On July 11, Kyle who is the son of David and Amy Zelmer, owners of the Buchanan Feed Mill, was diagnosed with a viral heart infection.
He was taken to Mott's Childrens Hospital in Ann Arbor to receive treatment for this virus. One of the treatments he received were blood transfusions.
Zelmer added, "Kyle has received the blood treatments he needs, but through this blood drive we just hope to replenish what we have used and also make people aware that this can happen to anyone at anytime. One of the treatments he received to help build his immune system back up, takes 10,000 people donating blood to make one pint of these special cells. It's just so important to donate when you can, for reasons like this."
Zelmer described Kyle, who will be a fifth grader at Stark Elementary School in the fall, as a great kid who everybody likes. He is involved in many activities at school including soccer and football and he gets all As.
The family urges those who are unable to donate, to help by passing the word of the event to other family members, friends and associates.
For further information on the blood drive, contact Larry Money at (269) 449-2163.