5-year-old Valerio is a brave boy with a heart full of resilience. He has faced more challenges in his five short years than many face in a lifetime. Since being born, Valerio has undergone four heart surgeries and numerous other procedures for hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare congenital heart defect that affects the development of the left side of the heart. For every surgery, lifesaving blood has been on standby and countless units have helped him through his recovery. “Blood was always available when my son needed it,” said Liliana, Valerio’s mother. “It’s terrifying to imagine what could have happened if it wasn’t. Blood donations have been crucial in shaping the trajectory of our family’s life. My son is resilient and takes everything in stride, but none of this would be possible without the generosity of blood donors.” Valerio is now thriving in preschool and determined to live life to the fullest. His family is grateful to blood donors who make time to donate for patie...