Patients fighting cancer need more blood than patients fighting any other disease, using nearly one-quarter of the nation’s blood supply. That’s why the American Red Cross and the American Cancer Society have teamed up to encourage people across the country to Give Blood to Give Time, ensuring loved ones have the strength and support to battle cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, one in three people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. An estimated 117,910 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in New York this year. Many of these people will likely have a need for blood.
Some types of chemotherapy can damage bone marrow, reducing red blood cell and platelet production. Other times, the cancer itself or surgical procedures cause the problem. Blood products are often needed. In fact, five units of blood are needed every minute to help someone going through cancer treatment. Yet only three percent of people in the United States give blood. More people are needed to donate regularly to help meet the need.
In April 2015, Stephenie Perry was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma exactly 10 days before her commencement ceremony from graduate school. One week after commencement, treatments began. During chemotherapy and two stem cell transplants, she needed blood and platelet transfusions.
“I don’t even know how many units of blood I’ve received,” she said. “But I know all of that blood came from selfless individuals who made the decision to make an appointment and donate.”
Last February, Perry received the good news that her cancer is in remission. Her red blood cell counts still get low at times. When that happens, she goes in for another blood transfusion.
“I think it’s safe to say that my successful battle with cancer depended upon complete strangers and their donated blood. For this, I am grateful,” Stephenie Perry said. “Sometimes I hear stories from friends about people who are scared of needles or afraid to donate blood. I wish I could stand face-to-face with those people and tell them there is nothing scary about saving a life – a life like mine.”
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
•February 22, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., St. Pius School, 3000 Chili Avenue, Rochester
•February 26, 1 to 6 p.m., Brockport Firemans Exempt Club, 248 West Avenue, Brockport
•Feburary 27, 1 to 6 p.m., Hilton Fire Department, 137 South Avenue, Hilton
•February 28, 2 to 7 p.m., Family Video, 4369 Buffalo Road, North Chili
To schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment or make a financial gift, visit GiveBloodToGiveTime.org.
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