PEORIA, Ill. (March 20, 2013) – Flowers are blooming, bees are buzzing, and eggs are hatching. It's spring, a time of renewal. For hospital patients in need of blood, hope for a fresh start comes from generous donors.
When Matt Deyo was a senior in high school, he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a cancerous bone tumor. During his 14-month regimen of aggressive chemotherapy, he received more than 90 units of red blood cells and platelets.
"Being an 18-year-old cancer patient was difficult because my life suddenly took an unexpected detour," said Deyo, now cancer-free. "But going through that life-changing experience led me down an amazing path and helped me decide to pursue a medical career."
Spring into action and give hope by giving blood. You just might provide a fresh start for someone like Deyo. To make an appointment or for more information, visit redcrossblood.org.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Carroll County
April 1 from 12-5 p.m. at Chadwick Fire Department, 210 Calvert St. in Chadwick, Ill.
Clinton County
April 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ashford University, 400 N. Bluff in Clinton, Iowa
April 14 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Assumption Catholic Church, 147 Broadway St. in Charlotte, Iowa
Henry County
April 8 from 2-6:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 108 N. Main in Annawan, Ill.
April 9 from 1:30-5 p.m. at St. Patrick's Church, 201 First St. in Colona, Ill.
April 10 from 1:15-5:15 p.m. at First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St. in Kewanee, Ill.
Mercer County
April 9 from 1-6:30 p.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church, 121 N. Meridian St. in New Windsor, Ill.
Scott County
April 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hy-Vee, 2200 W. Kimberly Road in Davenport, Iowa
Whiteside County
April 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Halo Branded Solutions, 1980 Industrial Drive in Sterling, Ill.
April 2 from 8-11 a.m. at River Bend Senior Center, 912 Fourth St. in Fulton, Ill.
April 3 from 2-6 p.m. at Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.
April 4 from 9:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. at CGH Medical Center, 100 E. LeFevre Road in Sterling, Ill.
April 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico CUSD 3, 79 Grove St. in Prophetstown, Ill.
April 9 from 1-5:15 p.m. at River Bend Senior Center, 912 Fourth St. in Fulton, Ill.
April 9 from 1:30-6 p.m. at Carlson Acupuncture & Chiropractic, 2317 E. Lincolnway in Sterling, Ill.
April 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sterling High School, 1608 Fourth Ave. in Sterling, Ill.
April 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.
How to donate blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.
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