Help Kids Kick Cancer By Giving Blood
It actually costs less money to cloth a child born in 2013, than it did a child born in 1960. - photo by Photo Contributed
During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to support kids, teens and young adults battling cancer, as well as others in need of transfusions.
According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 15,000 children and adolescents in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer each year. Childhood cancer patients may need blood products on a regular basis during chemotherapy, surgery or treatment for complications.
Locally, a blood drive is planned for Thursday, Sept. 6 at the Gene Bianchi Community Center, 110 S. Second Ave., Oakdale, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Blood and platelet donors of all blood types, especially type O negative and O positive, are urgently needed to replenish the blood supply following a critical summer blood shortage.
Make an appointment to donate by downloading the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Those who come out to give blood or platelets Sept. 1 through 30 will receive a coupon for a free haircut via email several days after their donation. The coupon is valid through Nov. 11, 2018, at participating Sport Clips locations. Donors must have a valid email address on record to receive the coupon.
Sport Clips Haircuts is a partner of the St. Baldrick's Foundation, which supports research to find cures for childhood cancers.
"The Red Cross and Sport Clips share a commitment to helping kids kick cancer, and we are thrilled to partner in September for the Saving Lives Never Looked So Good campaign to help bring attention to this important topic," said Donna M. Morrissey, director of national partnerships, Red Cross Biomedical Services. "We are grateful to Sport Clips for their continued support of the Red Cross and for thanking the generous blood and platelet donors who help make lifesaving treatments possible for many childhood cancer patients."
"With Sport Clips, the Red Cross and St. Baldrick's joining forces during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we hope to spread the word about the importance of blood donations, especially for children fighting cancer," said Amanda Palm, communications manager for Sport Clips. "Offering a free haircut is our way of saying thank you to blood donors everywhere."