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Every two seconds someone around the nation needs blood.  And here in the Midlands the demand is also high, but the supply is low during the summer months.  Friday a blood drive was held in honor of one Midlands girl, who's battling a rare disease.

"It's similar to Leukemia, but it's not Leukemia," said Phaedra Haynes.

6-year-old Alyah Haynes was recently diagnosed with Fanconi Anemia, it's a rare blood disorder that leads to Bone Marrow failure.  Alyah's mom Phaedra says at such a young age, her daughter has already overcome so much.

"She's had chronic asthma.  She also only has one kidney.  It had reflux in it, so she had to have kidney surgery," said Phaedra.  "She's also had to have her esophagus tied, so she's used to to being in and out of the hospital."

As part of her treatment Alyah received a blood transfusion, but she needs at least one more.  On Friday, the American Red Cross joined forces with Walmart to host a blood drive in honor of young Alyah.

This is a big deal, it's a major big deal," said Phaedra.  "But I didn't anticipate that we would have so many people come out and participate, and that is the most awesome thing."

"A blood donor can save three lives, which is very important for folks who are ill, who have accidents, for folks who are on transplant list," said Cheryl Austin with the American Red Cross.

But Austin says during the summer months, the demand for blood can go up while the supply goes down.

"We depend upon community drives, drives like this one at Walmart, so that folks will come out and donate to make up that shortage," said Austin.  "And sometimes the blood shortage during the summer months does go up, because people are more active."

Alyah's father Alonzo, says the blood drive is a community-wide effort designed to help a child in need.

"The generosity of the public in giving their blood and also being tested for bone marrow registry, it's just awesome," said Alonzo Haynes.