March 28, 2024

Support cancer patients by giving blood with the Red Cross

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to support cancer patients and others.

Mary Alice Donofrio gave blood for the first time in memory of her mother who received several blood transfusions while being treated for breast cancer.

“I had no idea what to expect, but the experience was very easy and quite rewarding,” Donofrio said. “Ever since then, I try and give blood as often as I can, and every time it gives me a good feeling in my heart. It is so nice to know that taking just an hour or so out of my day can help save the lives of others.”

According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 1.7 million new cases of cancer are expected in the U.S. this year. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, with nearly 253,000 women expected to be diagnosed in 2017. Cancer patients may need blood products during chemotherapy, surgery or treatment for complications.

Blood donation opportunities Oct. 16-25:

From 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Oct. 16 at American Legion Hall, 301 Main St., in Bedford

From 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Oct. 17 at East Union High School, 1916 High School Drive, in Afton

From 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Oct. 18 at Bedford High School, 1006 Illinois St., in Bedford

From 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Oct. 19 at Nodaway Valley High School, 410 NW 2nd St., in Greenfield

From 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Oct. 20 at Greenfield Rehabilitation & Health Center, 615 SE Kent St., in Greenfield

From 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Oct. 24 at Creston SWCC Instructional Building, 1501 W. Townline, in Creston

From 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Oct. 25 at Southwest Valley High School - Corning Campus, 904 8th St., in Corning

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 (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.

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, from a computer or mobile device. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.