2019 Adrian Grajeda

Name of Rider:                  Adrian Grajeda

Type of Donation:             Blood transfusion recipient

Age and Location:             Age 15 – Palm Desert, CA

Transplant Date:                10/23/2013

Sponsor:                               Honored by LifeStream Blood Blank

ADRIAN’S STORY

When faced with near-tragedy, Adrian Grajeda exhibited bravery. When tested by subsequent grave physical challenges, he accepted fate with stoicism and determination. Adrian was 10 years old.

That grit to overcome obstacles, and the generosity of volunteer LifeStream blood donors he never knew or met, teamed up to put him back on the playing field; his active, athletic path of choice.

LifeStream blood bank is proud to be represented in the 2019 Tournament of Roses Parade by Palm Desert High School sophomore, Adrian Grajeda. When he was just ten years old, Adrian was playing on his school playground at recess one fateful December 2013 day when a speeding, out-of-control vehicle careened through the playground fence. Adrian did not remember much after that, but his classmates confirmed he ran toward them, shielding them from harm. His classmates were uninjured, but Adrian was not so lucky.

Flying debris resulted in severe injuries to Adrian’s right leg. EMTs and surgeons preserved Adrian’s life, thanks to the several pints of donated blood transfusions he received. His leg, however, could not be salvaged, and it was amputated below the knee.

Adrian fought back. Physical therapy was grueling and painful. But Adrian slowly made progress. Four months after the accident, he was fitted for his first prosthesis. Two months later, he had his first “blade” that enabled him to play all out. As he grows, new fittings are required to adjust his prosthesis.

Today, nothing slows Adrian down. In the fall of 2017, he played freshman football at PDHS. The next season, he moved up to the junior varsity team.

Adrian’s job was to help cover opposing receivers, He can usually keep up, but he considers that his position “It’s not all about speed. A lot of it depends of technique and angles, too.”

Adrian is now 15, a successful student and athlete, and a glowing reminder, every day, of what voluntary blood donation makes possible. LifeStream is humbled by his blood donors’ sacrifices. And everyone should be inspired on January 1, 2019, when Adrian Grajeda walks the 5-plus mile Rose Parade® route on a prosthetic leg– and with a smile on his face.