Dr Smith-Thompson made the plea in an online post via Facebook, where she said the hospital lab will accept any blood type to replenish the current supply, as the family is trying their best to get Mr N. Chadwell Smith to his 86th birthday.

“Despite his age and condition (terminal cancer), dad has such a will to live. It has been a tough journey for him. I admire his determined spirit so much. I am trying to get him to his 86th birthday on April 4th,” Dr Smith-Thompson said in a Friday, March 19, 2021, Facebook post.

Speaking to Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) she said while her dad has stage 4 prostate cancer and has had several transfusions in the past, the blood helps and makes a difference in his quality of life.

Dr Smith-Thompson made the plea in an online post on Facebook, where she said the hospital lab will accept any blood type to replenish the current supply, as the family is trying their best to get their dad, Mr N. Chadwell Smith to his 86th birthday.

Family cherishing every moment - Dr Smith-Thompson

“We are cherishing every moment with him… so he is hanging on, but the blood really helps because his blood count tends to drop, and when he gets the transfusion of blood, it really helps him,” she said.

According to Dr Smith-Thompson, donors can go to the hospital between 7:30 am and 3:00 pm on weekdays to make donations at the Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital, however, persons who recently received the COVID-19 vaccine would have to wait a couple of weeks before they can donate.

Persons interesting in donating blood can reach out via the Facebook page, "Arlene Smith-Thompson" for further information.

Dr Smith-Thompson also took the opportunity to remind Virgin Islanders that there is an importance in donating blood. She said it will ensure that the hospital maintains a high supply, especially for emergency use.