-October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month-
St. Louis, MO -(Effingham Radio)- During Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, the American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood or platelets to provide hope and healing to patients fighting cancer.
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women, and more than 268,000 women are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.
In August 2016, Myel Bowers-Smith went to the doctor for what she thought was a breast infection for a mosquito bite after a vacation in Cancun. Instead, she received the devastating diagnosis – she had stage 4 inflammatory breast cancer, a very rare and aggressive breast carcinoma. Bowers-Smith, a U.S. Army veteran, committed to fighting for her life. “Once I began fighting, I knew I had to remain strong,” she said. Her aggressive care plan included five different chemotherapy treatments and steroids.
Like many patients with cancer, Bower-Smith needed multiple blood product transfusions. Cancer patients undergoing surgery and chemotherapy may require red blood cell or platelet transfusions. In fact, more than half of all platelets collected by the Red Cross are used by patients with cancer.
After months of grueling treatments, in August 2017, Bowers-Smith celebrated the news that her cancer was in remission. Today, she enjoys sharing her story and encouraging others to be a blessing by donating blood or platelets. “Eligible donors, you have something good – which is your blood. A pint of blood can help save lives.”
Donors of all blood types, especially platelet donors and those with type O blood, are needed to ensure a stable supply for cancer patients and others this fall. Appointments can be made by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800- RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
As a thank-you, those who come to give blood or platelets during the month of October will automatically be entered for a chance to win one of five $500 gift cards redeemable at hundreds of merchants, courtesy of Tango Card. Terms apply; see rcblood.org/game.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities Oct. 16-31:
IL
Alexander County
-Cairo
- 10/21/2019: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Bunge North America, 203 34th Street
- 10/29/2019: 12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Cairo High School, 4201 Sycamore Avenue
Franklin County
-Christopher
- 10/31/2019: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Christopher High School, 1 Bearcat Drive
-West Frankfort
- 10/28/2019: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Frankfort Community High School, 601 East Main Street
-Zeigler
- 10/25/2019: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Zeigler Royalton High School, 4989 State Highway 148 North
Jackson County
-Carbondale
- 10/16/2019: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Southern Illinois University Homecoming Student Center, Southern Illinois University, Student Center, 1255 Lincoln Drive
- 10/24/2019: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., SIU Credit Union, 395 Giant City Road
- 10/25/2019: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., Hindu Temple and Cultural Society of Southern Illinois, 1209 East Walnut St
- 10/31/2019: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Center for Medical Arts, 2601 West Main
-Elkville
- 10/28/2019: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Elverado HS-Elkville, 514 South 6th Street
-Murphysboro
- 10/18/2019: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., CCC Life Center, 805 North 16th Street
Jefferson County
-Mount Vernon
- 10/26/2019: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Family Video, 2629 Broadway
- 10/28/2019: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Rolland Lewis Community Building, South 27th Street
-Texico
- 10/24/2019: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Donoho Prairie Christian Church, 7405 Exchange Road
Perry County
-Pinckneyville
- 10/24/2019: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Pinckneyville High School, 600 East Water
Union County
-Anna
- 10/30/2019: 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Anna-Jonesboro Community High School, 608 South Main Street
-Dongola
- 10/18/2019: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Dongola Unit School District # 66, 1000 High Street
-Wolf Lake
- 10/22/2019: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Shawnee High School, 3365 State Route 3 North
Williamson County
-Carterville
- 10/17/2019: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., John A Logan College, 700 Logan College Road
-Herrin
- 10/30/2019: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., Herrin Church of Christ, 3101 South Park Avenue
-Marion
- 10/31/2019: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Marion Ford, 1910 West Coolidge Avenue
How To Donate Blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device 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.
About The American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% 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-forprofit 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.
