Three-year-old Cheyenne “Gracie” Holloman of Bogalusa was diagnosed with Hurler Syndrome last year and is being treated at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans.

According to The Blood Center at Riverside Medical Center, Hurler Syndrome is an inherited disorder caused by faulty genes passed on from parents to children. In Hurler Syndrome, the body has a defective gene and can’t make a key enzyme. Hurler Syndrome strikes one out of 100,000 babies born.

A blood drive is under way to help Gracie. A blood drive to help Holloman is scheduled from 3 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 18, in the Fellowship Room at Trinity Baptist Church, 2009 Main St., in Franklinton, near Riverside Medical Center.

Holloman is the daughter of Tasha Penton and stepfather Richard Penton of Bogalusa. She is the granddaughter of Terry and Dewanda Magee.

She underwent a bone marrow transplant in mid-July. Blood transfusion will most likely be necessary on an on-going basis over the next few months.

People who wish to donate may sign up for the blood drive with Dewanda Magee by calling 985-516-3771 or by email at dewandamagee@yahoo.com.

For a complete list of other locations to donate blood, go to www.thebloodcenter.org/About/Locationos.aspx, contact Suzy Potter at 504-939-9609 or text spotter@thebloodcenter.org

According to the Blood Center, all blood types are needed, especially Type O negative. Blood donations can be made every 56 days. People who wish to donate must be in good health, be at least 17 years of age, and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds. There is no upper age limit. Sixteen-year-olds who weigh at least 130 pounds can donate with a signed “Blood Center” parental consent. A photo I.D. is required when donating.

One cannot donate if he or she has been diagnosed with hepatitis. If you have been out of the country since 1980 or have medical questions, call The Blood Center’s Metairie Donor Center at 504-887-2833 or contact Potter. Ask Potter how you can help if you are unable to donate blood.