Henrico couple encourages blood donations in son's memory: 'He wanted everyone to enjoy life'
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A Henrico couple is encouraging the community to donate blood in honor of their late son, who knew the importance of blood donation as his mother battled cancer.
For James and Sue Bradley, it's the simple pastimes that can sometimes bring the most peace. A cup of tea in front of the TV serves as a sense of normalcy after the whirlwind of a year the Henrico couple has experienced.
In the summer of 2024, Sue was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia with systemic mastocytosis. According to the American Cancer Society, it's a type of cancer that starts in the blood-forming cells of the bone marrow.
"Then I had a bone marrow transplant," Sue said.
"She had some brain bleeds, and they had to really pump her up with platelets," James said.
But despite the difficult days cancer has caused Sue, none of it compares to the heartbreak she felt heading into this holiday season. Her son, 23-year-old Jack Wilson Saunders, died in a motorcycle accident on November 7 — a loss that's had a devastating impact on his community.
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