Community Unites for Team Emma: Nearly 100 Units of Blood Collected in Honor of Dr. Seiler’s Daughter
9/12/2025
Next Community Blood Drives Set for October 13 at DeTar and Citizens
Nearly 100 units of blood were collected on Thursday, September 11, in a remarkable show of support during a joint blood drive hosted by DeTar Healthcare System, Citizens Medical Center, and Victoria Women’s Clinic Associates (VWCA), in partnership with the MD Anderson Cancer Center Blood Bank.
With 38 units donated at DeTar Hospital North and 57 at Citizens Medical Center, the drive reflected the strength of a community united around a cause that hits close to home — supporting Emma Seiler, the daughter of local OB/GYN Dr. Tanya Seiler. Each donation symbolized hope and resilience, and highlighted what’s possible when a community comes together to support one of its own.
The blood drive was initiated by Evie Valenzuela, lab supervisor at Victoria Women’s Clinic, and Dr. Maria Torres, who reached out to both hospitals with the idea of organizing a coordinated event in Emma’s honor.
‘I don’t personally know Emma, but I know and love her mom. When I heard about Emma’s diagnosis, I could only imagine what Dr. Seiler was going through. As a mother myself, I felt her pain and fear deeply. Being in the lab my whole life, I also understand how critical blood donations are — so helping to organize this drive felt like the most meaningful way I could help. When I discussed it with our clinic, Victoria Women’s Clinic, and then reached out to DeTar, and Citizens, we had over 70 volunteers in minutes, said Evie Valenzuela, lab supervisor, Victoria Women’s Clinic.
At DeTar, the event was seen as a shining example of what happens when people come together for a shared mission. “What happened on September 11 was bigger than one hospital, one clinic, or one family,” said Mary Claire Bradshaw, RN, director of women & children’s services at DeTar Healthcare System. “This was about our community rising together in generosity. Every donor gave a piece of hope—not just to Emma—but to countless patients in need.”
“In our line of work, we become very close with our doctors as we interact day in and day out. When the Seilers received the news of Emma’s illness, it felt as if it was a family member as many of us have been around since Emma was born,” said Sherry Lynch, BSN, RNC-OB, nurse manager of The Birth Center at Citizens Medical Center. “As so often is the case, people just want to do something but don’t know what to do. This joint project quickly became a symbol of what we can do when we work together to support those around us who are experiencing some of the most difficult experiences of their lives”.
Emma’s Story: A Life Changed Overnight
Emma Seiler, 21, is a graduate of Victoria East High School, where she played varsity soccer. She went on to attend the University of the Ozarks, pursuing a degree in biology and chemistry, and continued playing soccer at the Division III collegiate level.
In May 2025, Emma began experiencing extreme fatigue. Driving short distances left her exhausted — but as a healthy young adult, nothing unusual was initially found. It wasn’t until June that bloodwork revealed alarming results: high white blood cell counts, low hemoglobin, and low platelets.
Emma was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) — a fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow. She was referred to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, where she is now receiving advanced treatment with the support of her family.
“The world we live in has been tempestuous of late. There is so much division, in our community as well as across the world. In a time when so much in the world feels uncertain, this community came together in love and unity to support Emma. It wasn’t just about giving blood—it was about showing up for one another in the most powerful way. We are so grateful for every donor, every organizer, and every act of kindness that helped lift our family during this time,” said Dr. Tanya Seiler, Emma’s mother.
That sentiment was echoed by Dr. Maria Torres of Victoria Women’s Clinic, who shared a heartfelt message after the event: “On a day that reminds us of courage, unity, and resilience, the Seiler family was deeply moved by the generosity of those who donated. Your selfless act not only honors the legacy of those we remember but also brings hope and healing to those fighting battles today—especially Emma Seiler and other cancer patients who rely on the donation you gave.”
Why Blood Donations Matter
Patients at MD Anderson Cancer Center require an estimated 270 units of blood and blood components each day. That includes whole blood and platelets, which are critical in the treatment of cancer patients like Emma. Learn more at: www.mdandersonbloodbank.org
Dr. Seiler shared, “Remember, you can also donate at MD Anderson locations in honor of Emma Seiler. If you will be doing so, send a direct message on the Facebook page, Team Emma Seiler, so we can give you information needed at time of donation. And, stay tuned to www.mdandersonbloodbank.org’s website for more information on upcoming drives for Emma.”
You Can Still Help: Upcoming Blood Drives on October 13
“This drive was about more than blood donations—it was about love, hope, and community,” said Evie Valenzuela. “Seeing everyone rally together for Emma was a powerful reminder that we are stronger united. That overwhelming response is a testament to how much this community cares about Dr. Seiler and her family. That's why we’re doing it again on October 13.”
To continue the momentum, two more community blood drives are scheduled for Monday, Oct. 13:
DeTar Hospital Navarro – Education Classroom
Citizens Medical Center – North Classroom
More information, as well as registration links, will be available soon. For updated information, visit www.mdandersonbloodbank.org
“In our small corner of the world, many acts of selflessness happened. We crossed the line and unified in the fight. Our family thanks everyone from the bottom of our hearts,” said Dr. Seiler.
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