Blood drive will help Hoat Kieu of Abbeville

Ask someone in and around Abbeville about Hoat and Nga Kieu and a glowing remark can be expected in return.
Lisa Primeaux, who knows the Kieus through Vermilion Catholic and St. Mary Magdalen Church, can certainly attest to that thinking. The Kieu’s four children, Adam, Mary, Paul and Andrew, attended VC.
“They are just really, really good people,” Primeaux said of the family. “I don’t think there is a person who would not tell you they are good people.
“They are so willing to do for everyone else and never ask for any help.”
In a time of need, however, others can help the Kieus.
A replacement blood drive to “help the healing” of Hoat Kieu, who had to be hospitalized recently, is taking place this Saturday, July 12, at Vermilion Catholic High School in Abbeville. The drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“This is an opportunity for others to step up for some good people,” Primeaux said. “This blood drive is to help replace what was used (during the hospital stay).”
Any extra blood that is given Saturday can help defray some of the medical expenses for the family. For example, according to Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, a blood drive of 20 donors can reduce an account by a minimum of $540.
“Any little bit helps,” Primeaux said.
And anyone can help.
“They don’t have to be Hoat’s exact blood type,” Primeaux explained. “It doesn’t matter what blood type you are.
“It is any blood donation, anybody who meets the requirements.”
Donations in Kieu’s name will not be limited to the drive Saturday at VC. People can donate at the doctor’s office building in front of Lourdes in Lafayette. The blood donation office is located on the third floor, Suite 360. Blood can be given there anytime in Hoat Kieu’s name by giving his date of birth, 12-25-52.
Those who do donate, whenever that may be, will be helping someone who has helped so many others.
“Hoat had a stroke about five years ago,” Primeaux said. “Even with his disability, they go to the Christian Service Center and volunteer their time. Even though they have very little, they constantly want to cook a meal for somebody else. That is the type of people they are.
“They do so much for everybody else, we just want to take this chance to do something for them.”