Some people, as a result of seeing our page, have begun to donate blood. Some have become faithful donors.  Others have decided to be marrow donors or to support other similar causes.  Once, some even volunteered to translate our page into English free of charge.  Right now we’re available in many countries: we have visitors from the United States, France, Portugal, Mexico, Argentina, Canada and even Burkina Faso.

Now we want to take another step forward. With this in mind, we have joined Teaming.net.  An online platform for small donations, where people can support causes like ours with a symbolic quantity of one euro a month.  In this way, we can continue doing our work of encouraging people to make gestures of solidarity like donating blood or being a marrow donor, in order to unite forces so that illnesses like Bernat’s are researched and receive more funding, and so that we are able to make more materials available to more people.

If you want to help us, we would be very grateful.  We would love it if you would help to support our Teaming.net group, in whatever form possible: giving one euro a month or any other contribution to the cause.

With all of your help, ElPetitBernat will continue to grow.

We, as ambassadors, have the fortune of forming part of this great family. Bernat’s health has improved greatly, and he has enjoyed everything that has been done for him. The marathon began with hundreds of red balloons being released into the sky.

We would like to thank all of the people that made this special day possible; there were as many donors as there were recipients, organizers, volunteers, and authorities present at the event. Luckily, there was a ton. But we don’t want to forget anyone! Because of this, we can only give love and thanks from our hearts to each and every person who attended. We encourage people who are considering donating blood to do so in the future to help this beautiful and unique cause.

This year, the marathon was accompanied by the slogan, “The Luck of Giving Blood.” Those in charge wanted 7,000 extra donations during the Christmas period to add to the low amount of existing reserves. Another point of emphasis is that apart from being able to make donations to major hospitals, the town hall of Barcelona had 5 bloodmobiles on loan that were stationed in the Cataluna Plaza Friday, January 15 and Saturday, January 16 from 10 am – 9 pm. During the day there were many activities and entertainment run by magnificent volunteers.

In the ceremonies, there were also representatives from the Blood and Tissue Bank for whom we have a very special appreciation for. Also, there were members of the Red Cross and the association of blood donors. They were presenting what are called “ambassadors” that are dedicated to spreading the marathon through social networks. Until now, this group was made up of blood donors, but this year it was also partially made up of people who are or who have been blood recipients. And we have had the privilege of being a part of it.

Finally, we want to say thanks for the ceremony in the Barcelona Town Hall, and for giving us an opportunity to be able to explain Bernat’s case and to give thanks to the generous blood donors. Also, to give thanks to the Blood and Tissue Bank for all of the marvelous work that they have done.

Signing up for the marathon is very easy, and you can help save lives at http://www.maratodonants.cat/ And remember that other ways to help are to spread awareness on social networks and to talk about the need for blood donors, so as to follow the campaign. You can follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

The program, led by Sílvia Tarragona, is a benchmark for journalism in our country, that stresses the need to donate blood, especially in times when blood donations are somewhat limited. At the same time, they showed interest in Bernat’s illness, family, and other children in similar situations.

We would like to thank Sílvia Tarragona, for her excellent program and personality, as well as Doctor Lluís Puig, for his assistance. Last but not least, we would like to thank Sergi Bassolas for giving us this opportunity with his amazing report.

Many choral groups participated in the Solidarity Concert, including Espai 6-12, Xemeneia Amunt, and the Coral al Sagraer (the student chorus from Bernat’s school). During the second half of the concert, they gave a small speech about Bernat and his illness, to encourage people to donate blood in order to help children like Bernat. It was a nice gesture by Aitor’s parents and the organizers of the event. We would like to thank all of the people that made it possible for us to be included in the precious Solidarity Concert, especially Luz Marina.

Thank you very much!

In addition, the Red Day counts on the collaboration of Mammaprof, a principle online guide for families to enjoy. They have been working together for 2 years and have been able to demonstrate that donating blood can be a very educational and positive family act. They created a playroom for many little kids and they carried out activities such as painting, yoga, a culinary workshop, live music, and a Cuboro shop (circuits of marbles), where everyone can spend a good time. Including Bernat!

From all of us here, we would like to thank the organizers, and of course, the donors for showing their support. We will be there next year!

The environment was fantastic, and so were the results. We ran in the family race, where Bernat received a beautiful medal for hope; a symbol for all those people who suffer from these sicknesses and illnesses who have to fight day after day.

After the experience, I’m sure that we will do it again next year!