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Last updated on Thursday, October 4, 2018
(UNDATED) - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - the perfect time to give blood 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:
Bartholomew County
Columbus
10/20/2018: 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Saint Bartholomew Church, 1306 27th Street
Hope
10/24/2018: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Hauser High School, 9423 N. State Rd 9
Lawrence County
Bedford
10/21/2018: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Walmart, 3200 John Williams Blvd.
Martin County
Loogootee
10/17/2018: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Loogootee High School, 201 Brooks Avenue
Monroe County
Bloomington
10/17/2018: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
10/18/2018: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 221 E. 6th Street
10/19/2018: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
10/20/2018: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
10/24/2018: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
10/25/2018: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
10/26/2018: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
10/27/2018: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
10/30/2018: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Indiana University Health Bloomington, 601 West Second Street
10/31/2018: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Monroe County Public Library, 303 East Kirkwood Ave
10/31/2018: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Indiana University Wells Library, 1320 E. 10th Street
Ellettsville
10/23/2018: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Edgewood High School, 601 South Edgewood
Rush County
Rushville
10/22/2018: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Rushville City Fire Department - Court Square, 120 N. Perkins Street
Vigo County
Terre Haute
10/23/2018: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Union Hospital, 1606 North 7th Street
10/28/2018: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., American Red Cross West Central Chapter, 700 S. 3rd Street
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass ® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
Volunteers needed
Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross is to become a volunteer transportation specialist and deliver lifesaving blood products to local area hospitals. Volunteer transportation specialists play a very important role in ensuring an ample blood supply for patients in need by transporting blood and blood products. For more information and to apply for a volunteer transportation specialist position, visit rdcrss.org/driver.
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
CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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