During Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the American Red Cross is reminding the community that a blood donation is one way to help bring hope and healing to those fighting cancer and other illnesses- the perfect time to give blood and platelets at donation centers to support cancer patients and others.
Anna Gwinnup, a loving wife, mother and grandmother, was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer in September 2017. Within weeks, it advanced to stage 2, forcing her to undergo a double mastectomy, chemotherapy and multiple surgeries, which required blood products.
Though she was a blood donor prior to her diagnosis, Gwinnup now has a new passion for the cause. “I want to raise awareness about the need for blood to treat cancer,” she said.
Cancer patients may need red blood cell or platelet transfusions during chemotherapy, surgery or treatment for complications.
Donors of all blood types are needed to help ensure a sufficient supply for patients this fall, especially after Hurricane Florence and subsequent flooding forced the cancellation of more than 6,000 blood and platelet donations last month.
Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
As a thank-you, those who come to donate blood or platelets in October will automatically be entered to win one of five $500 gift cards redeemable at hundreds of merchants. Learn more at RedCrossBlood.org/GoForGoal.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities Oct. 16-31
IA
Clinton
10/9/2018: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Community Reformed Church, 747 N 12th Street
10/23/2018: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Community Reformed Church, 747 N 12th Street
10/27/2018: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Prince of Peace Catholic School, 312 South 4th Street
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Laura McGuire | External Communications Manager
Biomedical Field Marketing and Communications
American Red Cross
608-381-4502 (c)
laura.mcguire@redcross.org | redcrossblood.org
Facebook: facebook.com/RedCrossBlood
Twitter: redcrossblood.org/twitter-map
You can hold the power to save lives in the palm of your hand with the FREE Red Cross Blood Donor App! Text “BLOODAPP” to 90999 or download it from the App StoreSM or the Google PlayTM store today!
