Stake Blood Drive

Our stake blood drive is Dec. 16th from 3-8pm at the stake center.  

I hope it is okay that I put in my own personal two cents here.  I have always gotten the clip board for this and I think about it, but usually pass the clipboard on.  I signed up the last time it came around and when the day to donate came I had a cold and could not donate.  This time around I am not only signing up, but hoping that all of you will do the same.  

As most of you already know my son Chase who is 2 1/2 was diagnosed with Leukemia in July of this year.  In Chase's first week after diagnosis he had at least 3 blood transfusions and 3 platelet transfusions.  This would not be possible if it weren't for all the amazing people willing to donate.  

According to the American Red Cross: every two seconds, someone in the US needs blood. Before Chase was diagnosed, I never could believe that number. I had no idea. But after going on this cancer journey with Chase and sitting in clinic watching blood transfusion after blood transfusion going on around us, that number is much more real to me. We have a friend Elena who has had multiple transfusions in just one week - and occasionally, her transfusion has been delayed because the blood bank didn't have the type of blood she needed. Or there's our cancer friend, Skyler, who has been in the hospital since he was diagnosed in August and he has multiple platelet transfusions every day. His platelets get so low (and they don't know why) that they are afraid to turn him over in bed for fear that he will bleed internally.  There are millions of other cases where people need blood. It is life-saving. And it can be really scary watching your sick child and being told that there isn't the blood they need available.  

Be sure to sign up when that clipboard comes around.  You will be saving a life!!!!

Some Facts About Blood Supply Needs and Blood Donation -from the American Red Cross

• One donation can save the lives of up to three people.
• The demand for blood transfusions is growing faster than donations.
• Shortages of all blood types usually occur during the summer and winter holidays.
• Less than 38% of the US population is eligible to donate blood. (So if you can, you can see that you're sorely needed!)
• It is possible to donate specifically only platelets or plasma. This process is called apherisis. It is very simple and you can do it at the Red Cross located on Riverside Drive.
• Donated platelets must be used within 5 days of collection - new donations are constantly needed.
• Healthy bone marrow makes a constant supply of red cells, plasma, and platelets. The body will replenish the elements given during a blood donation - some in a matter of hours, and others in a matter of weeks.
• The average adult has about 10 to 12 pints of blood in his body. Roughly 1 pint is given during a donation.
• The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 pints.
• A healthy donor may donate red blood cells every 56 days.
• A healthy donor may donate platelets as few as 3 days apart, but a maximum of 24 times a year.

You must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good general health to donate. (Eligibility requirements may vary in some states and donation centers.)