Celia Hunt Turley, celebrated her 39th and last birthday on May 3, 2009. That day she complained of a headache, not an unusual occurrence, given her busy schedule as a kindergarten teacher, wife, and mother of five active children. But Celia’s headache persisted several days regardless of medication, so she sought medical attention. When the results of her lab work came in, her doctor immediately admitted her to the hospital to be tested for leukemia. After a bone marrow biopsy, Celia was diagnosed with Acute Promyelotic Leukemia (M3). Because of the disease, Celia’s body destroyed blood cells as quickly as the blood and blood components could be transfused. Despite the efforts of her medical team, Celia’s body systems shut down in response to the medications given to induce the leukemia into remission. Celia passed away just nine days after she was admitted to the hospital.

Because of the gratitude we have for the people who donated blood used in the attempt to save Celia’s life, our family is encouraging the donation of 500 pints of blood in her memory for 2009. A blood drive has been scheduled for November 6 at 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Boulder Creek LDS stake center, 3025 S. Hawes Rd., Mesa (map). Sign up to donate at www.BloodHero.com. For updated information, join the Celia’s Circle group on Facebook.

If you are not able to participate in that blood drive, please participate in a local blood drive and, if possible, make the blood center aware that the donation is in memory of Celia Hunt Turley. Then email confirmation of your donation to info@celiascircle.org. Thank you.