PEORIA, Ill. (April 1, 2014) – With the arrival of spring comes sunnier days, warmer temperatures and a chance at a fresh start. The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to make blood donation part of their spring ritual and help support patients like 5-year-old Nathan Pennington.
In April of last year, Nathan was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer called medulloblastoma. Nathan has received several blood product transfusions to help sustain his life following surgery to remove the tumor and currently receives periodic platelet transfusions as he continues his recovery.
"Nathan wouldn't be here without lifesaving blood donors - it's as simple as that," said Corey Pennington, Nathan's father. "Our family will always be grateful to all the blood donors who make sure patients like Nathan have the blood they need."
Make a difference this spring by rolling up a sleeve for patients in need. Visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Carroll County
April 25 from 1-6 p.m. at Carroll County Farm Bureau, 811 S. Clay St. in Mount Carroll, Ill.
Clinton County
April 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at LyondellBasell, 3400 Anamosa Road in Clinton, Iowa
April 30 from 12-6 p.m. at Northeast High School, 3690 Hwy. 136 in Goose Lake, Iowa
Lee County
April 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital, 403 E. First St. in Dixon, Ill.
April 21 from 1:30-6 p.m. at Carlson Acupuncture & Chiropractic, 115 N. Galena in Dixon, Ill.
April 21 from 3-6 p.m. at Dixon Moose Lodge, 889 Shop Road in Dixon, Ill.
Whiteside County
April 16 from 2-6 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.
April 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Halo Branded Solutions, 1980 Industrial Drive in Sterling, Ill.
April 22 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Robert Fulton Community Center, 912 4th St. in Fulton, Ill.
April 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.
April 24 from 4-7 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.
April 30 from 2-6 p.m. at American Red Cross, 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. The Red Cross is supported in part through generous financial donations from the United Way. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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