A young Matteson girl who is battling sickle cell disease held a party Saturday for children just like her and an opportunity for people to give blood.

The second annual Sickle Cell Anemia Blood Drive and Celebration celebrated Olivia Shorter’s 8th birthday. She was was born with the disease.

Last year, Olivia asked her parents about having a party for other children like her.

“I’m proud, so proud. And shocked she would come up with something so big and she didn’t even know it,” said mom Danielle Shorter. “It’s just something that came from her heart.”

In addition to having fun and enjoying the party, guests also donated blood to the American Red Cross.

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