Family Appeals To Community To Donate Platelets For Robert Stewart

May 1, 2012

The family of a Bratt man is appealing to the North Escambia community to donate the blood platelets he needs at a critical stage in his battle against cancer.

Robert Stewart, the former chief of the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department, is in the ICU at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola. According to his daughter, Kelly Stewart Kennedy, Robert is in need of A-positive platelets.

robert12.jpgPotential platelet donors are asked to call Northwest Florida Blood Services at (850) 473-3853 to schedule an appointment time. According to Betty Roberts, spokesperson for Northwest Florida Blood Services, an appointment is necessary to make a platelet donation because the process takes about an hour and 45 minutes.

Donors should mention that their donations are for Robert Stewart. If the platelets are unneeded by Robert or are of the wrong blood type, they will still be used to help in the community, Roberts said. Platelets, with a shelf life of just five days, are often used for cancer patients and premature babies.

Donors must be 18 or older (16 or 17 with parental permission), at least 110 pounds and generally in good health.

Pictured top: Robert Stewart teaches fire safety to students at Bratt Elementary School in October, 2011. Pictured inset: Robert Stewart speaks at a 2009 Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department event. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.


Comments

5 Responses to “Family Appeals To Community To Donate Platelets For Robert Stewart”

  1. BrittanyAnne on May 2nd, 2012 3:24 am

    I love you uncle Robert praying for you diligently…. God will see you through everything

  2. Jackie Johnson on May 1st, 2012 4:01 pm

    Thank you goes out to all surrounding communities, churches, friends and family who have been praying for Robert and our family. We know God is still on His throne and oversees the day by day struggles Robert has been facing. Thank you for the phone calls, blood donations, platelets and monetary donations. Proverbs 3:5-6 and Romans 8:37.

  3. Tracey on May 1st, 2012 8:02 am

    Mr. Stewart is a good man and has been so helpful to the Walnut Hill and surrounding areas. Praying that enough people come together to make a difference for him and others battling illness.

  4. K. B. on May 1st, 2012 8:00 am

    Mr. Robert and Mrs. Diane, thanks for all the years of service you have given this end of the county…. Now folks, lets get behind them and give the blood needed to keep him going for a while longer!!!

  5. Kelly on May 1st, 2012 8:00 am

    Blood donations are also needed. Daddy has had so many units of blood and platelets. God Bless You All!