ImpactLife is calling on the public to donate blood and platelets during September, which is designated as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Blood transfusions are a critical part of treatment for many of the more than 10,000 children diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States.
“Blood is medicine,” Dr. Daniela Hermelin, chief medical officer at ImpactLife, said in a news release. “Red blood cell transfusions can restore a patient’s energy level, while platelet transfusions help prevent life-threatening bleeding. Volunteer donors help make it possible for pediatric cancer patients to continue their treatment and make progress towards a positive outcome.”
Childhood cancer patients often require regular blood products due to chemotherapy, surgery, or complications that can lead to dangerously low red blood cell and platelet counts. Cancers like leukemia and lymphoma directly attack bone marrow, which produces these essential blood components.
Through Sunday, Sept. 21, donors at ImpactLife donor centers can receive a $20 gift card or charitable donation bonus in addition to their regular Donor For Life program rewards.
Appointments can be made by calling (800) 747-5401, texting LIFESAVER to 999-777, or booking online at bloodcenter.org or via the Blood Center’s mobile app (www.bloodcenter.org/app). For more information on ImpactLife’s “Blood Is Medicine: Fight Childhood Cancer” campaign visit here..
