BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — “It was hard not to get emotional,” Ruby Alatorre said. “We thanked them for coming out because they didn’t just help our babies; it helps a lot of other babies.”
It's a story 23ABC first brought you earlier this month, two twin baby girls born prematurely and in desperate need of blood. Houchin Community Blood Bank put out the call for donors and the community responded in stride.
🔊 ATTN EVERYONE 🔊
— Houchin Community Blood Bank (@TweetHouchin) January 2, 2020
Sweet Gloria and Maya, twin baby girls, were born prematurely at 24 weeks and are in DIRE need of blood.
These girls are relying on the generosity of Houchin Hero's like yourself! 👼
If you are able and willing to help, please come in today! pic.twitter.com/VS0QJcw0wX
On Friday, Ruby and Porfirio Alatorre expressed their gratitude to the donors "who helped save their babies' lives."
Ruby and Porfirio Alatorre were invited to Houchin Community Blood Bank in Southwest Bakersfield, where they met some of the O-negative blood donors who answered the call for help when their daughters Maya and Gloria were born.
They were able to share with donors an update on their babies’ health and growth, and personally thank donors for their kind donations.
- Watch Ruby Alatorre tell 23ABC News how she felt seeing the community come out to help her family
The couple was also given two gift baskets — one for Maya, the other for Gloria. The couple says the babies have gained weight and are doing well.
More than 300 people donated blood in support of the Alatorre Family, benefiting not only their twin girls but also children and patients all over Kern County. Houchin would like to remind the community to keep donating for the twins as they continue to receive treatment and require fresh donations for transfusions. The Alatorre family counts on the community’s support to continue to watch their babies grow.
