Blood Drive For 7-Year-Old Cancer Patient

Crowds of people gathered at Providence Children’s Hospital in West El Paso early Saturday morning to donate their blood to 7-year-old Noel Hauke.

Hauke is battling acute myeloid leukemia, and between the cancer and his chemotheraphy treatments, his father says it’s destroying his platelets.

“When your own child is that sick and could die from anything, it’s the worst thing thing of all to see him like that,” said Noel’s father, Andreas Hauke.

People inside the hospital told ABC7 crews they got more than 200 emails overnight, and even more phone calls.

Fil Maldonado, first in line to donate, said he was personally touched by the story.

“I got an 8-year-old grandson, Jovan, and I saw his picture and I said they’re almost like twins. They look alike,” said Maldonado. “I told my wife, that could be Jovan.”

Maldonado added, it could have happened to anyone.

“This little boy deserves a chance at life. He’s got a right to a future. So, if I can help him, why not? That’s why I’m here.”

Along with his o-negative blood — a rare blood type that is needed to collect the platelets — Noel needs to survive his treatments.

Noel’s father said his son doesn’t ask for much, which is likely why so many people are willing to give anything.

“Children are very strong, sometimes as strong as adults. He just accepts his situation as it is,” said Andreas.

There’s still a way you can donate. United Blood Services has a blood bank set up through Sunday night at 6 p.m. at the Cielo Vista Mall.