Bailey Cole’s birthday wish wasn’t exactly what her mother expected. There was no mention of a new bike, an iPod, or other gotta-have-it gifts for a soon-to-be 12-year-old.

The Fountain girl wanted to give blood, a request inspired by a TV show featuring a sickly child in need of routine transfusions.

Although selfless, the bike would have been easier because children aren’t eligible to be donors. Bailey’s mom, Tonya, offered to donate on her daughter’s behalf, but she was told no because she’s seven months pregnant.

So, today, Oct. 7, on Bailey’s birthday, the Cole family has organized a blood drive as her party, where gifts are pints of the red stuff for people who need it.

The drive, which will be administered by the Penrose-St. Francis Blood Bank, takes place from 3 to 7 p.m. at the American Legion Post 38, 6685 Southmoor Drive, in Fountain. Bailey has been busy signing up donors and passing out fliers for the big day.

Tonya Cole said her three daughters are no strangers to charitable work, but she was surprised that donating blood was Bailey’s sole request.

“I said, Are you sure you don’t want a new bicycle?’” her mother said. Bailey turned down the offer.

Tonya Cole concedes that it’s hard not to spend on a child’s birthday, but she’s respecting Bailey’s wish.

“If people actually show up, like I’m hoping, she will be so excited and so proud of herself. I think that’s enough and that’s OK,” she said. “It’s important to me that they do it for the joy of what they’re doing.”—Call Newsome at 636-0198. For more health news, go to The Gazette’s health page at www.gazettedev.gazette.com/health, and check out the Pikes Peak Health blog at http://pikespeakhealth.freedomblogging.com.

Photo by

Bryan Oller