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Special Red Cross blood drive set Jan. 6 in memory of Greencastle woman
The community is invited to give blood in memory of Stephanie Hunter at a special American Red Cross blood drive scheduled in her name Sunday, Jan. 6 from noon to 5 p.m. at Gobin United Methodist Church, 307 Simpson St., Greencastle.
As a former Greencastle resident, Stephanie was known for her love of children, gentle spirit and willingness to help others. In September 2018 she was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) which developed into acute myeloid leukemia (AML). After a brief period of fighting the disease she passed away Oct. 29, 2018.
Stephanie's friends and family invite the community to give blood in her honor to help others battling cancer. Blood products are critical for those being treated for cancer.
Leslie Hanson, Stephanie's friend, learned firsthand how important the gift of blood can be to a patient's quality of life.
"Even with her cancer diagnosis Stephanie was able to keep enjoying her life and working as long as she did because of the blood transfusions she was receiving," Hanson said. "She set up this blood drive because she understood the importance of blood donations."
"Stephanie is a reminder that we never know who may end up needing blood transfusions," said Sandra Ryden, donor recruitment manager for the Red Cross. "When someone we know has cancer we often wonder what we can do to help. Giving blood is a wonderful way to give back that can literally help save the lives of those being treated for cancer."
This blood drive comes as the Red Cross faces a seasonal decline in blood donations, when donors become busy with family gatherings and holiday travel. Blood and platelet donors are urgently needed to give now to ensure patient needs are met in the coming weeks.
In thanks, those who come to give through Jan. 6 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
Every two seconds in the United States blood is needed to respond to patient emergencies, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. The Red Cross must collect more than 13,000 blood and platelet donations every day for the patients at about 2,600 hospitals nationwide, including 80 hospitals in Indiana.
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.