When Drew and Morgan Rasmussen had their first child, Daisy Mae, born in December 2022, they received shocking news. After days spent in the NICU, Daisy Mae was diagnosed with SPTA1 hemolytic anemia — a rare blood disorder caused by a combination of heterozygous and homozygous gene mutations from both parents.
“Neither my husband or I have the disorder and the doctors described it as the perfect storm for her to have the condition,” says Morgan. “She spent 14 days in the NICU and has received five blood transfusions to save her life.”
While she had intended to return to work, Morgan had to change plans. Daisy Mae would need weekly medical appointments to monitor her health. Morgan’s husband, Drew, is in the Army and Oklahoma National Guard and has often been deployed overseas.
As Daisy Mae’s condition stabilized, the Rasmussens learned through preliminary genetic testing that any additional children would have a 50 percent chance of having the same blood disorder. In October 2025, the Rasmussens welcomed their son Clayton into the world and soon discovered he also has SPTA1 hemolytic anemia. After additional genetic testing, the Rasmussens learned that any additional children will have the same blood disorder, that their children’s children will have it and possibly other future generations.
Clayton, now seven months old, has needed seven life-saving blood transfusions. Each transfusion takes a minimum of eight hours to complete.
“Many people may never need a children’s hospital, but our lives revolve around our medical appointments there,” says Morgan. “We’ve been at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health every week for the past three years. It’s definitely challenging, but we try to keep a positive attitude and carry on through our faith and family support.”
She says her children love their doctors and nurses and the hospital provides a wonderful, family-friendly environment with crafts and activities for Daisy Mae to enjoy while she or her brother are receiving treatments.
“Our kids are so strong,” says Morgan. “As parents, it’s really difficult to see your children sick. We are so thankful for the blood donations that have saved their lives multiple times and continue to save them. Before our experience, I never truly comprehended how many babies, kids and adults are saved by donated blood, especially O-negative. It’s a miracle that we’re all able to do this for another person, for children like mine and people all across the world.”
Morgan and Drew are now passionate advocates for Our Blood Institute (OBI), formerly known as the Oklahoma Blood Institute. They eagerly share their story to show the life-changing impact of blood donations. Along with their families, they have worked closely with OBI to set up blood drives in honor of Daisy Mae and Clayton. This has allowed people to donate blood in their name and receive patient credits toward their transfusion costs.
“Through these blood drives, we’ve received enough credits that we’ve not had to pay for any of our children’s blood transfusions; it’s been such a blessing,” says Morgan. “It’s also our chance to help others in need.”
Today, Daisy Mae is doing well and has gradually been able to reduce her appointments to once a year, while Clayton will continue to be seen weekly. Morgan says she understands that people may be apprehensive about donating blood, afraid of the discomfort or needles, but she hopes people will consider the difference they’re making.
“A moment of pain is worth saving a life,” says Morgan.
How to Donate
OBI makes it easy to give blood at donor centers and mobile drives across the community. Schedule your appointment at https://dc.donable.com/mawokcares or scan the QR code to make your donation go even further. Each completed donation helps raise funds for Make-A-Wish Oklahoma while providing lifesaving blood for patients in local hospitals.
OBI and Make-A-Wish partner through Donable® Cares
OBI (Our Blood Institute) and the Make-A-Wish Foundation have partnered through Donable® Cares, a fundraising app that ties blood donations to financial support. Donable® Cares pays partnering organizations up to $100 for every successful blood donation the organization brings in through the Donable® app. Make-A-Wish has been given a unique link to track blood donation sign-ups. Using the link, donors can schedule at any OBI donor center or mobile blood drive on behalf of Make-A-Wish. Appointments must be made 24 hours in advance to qualify. Once the blood donation is completed, Make-A-Wish receives a payment. It’s a meaningful way to support the community blood supply while generating funds for Make-A-Wish’s mission of granting life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses.
About Our Blood Institute
Our Blood Institute (OBI) is the sixth-largest independent blood center in the nation, with 10 donor centers in Oklahoma and seven throughout Arkansas and Texas. OBI is the nonprofit blood provider for patients at more than 240 hospitals, medical facilities and air ambulances across all three states.
