Hello, Sarah again ^-^

[10:30 PM]

I have a very important message for everyone.

Donate blood, please.

Many children who are battling cancer, like Codey, rely on blood donations or blood component donations (apheresis) for platelets, plasma, red cells and infection-fighting white cells that they either can't create on their own or are destroyed during chemo. Some rely on donations for full transfusions.

Remember that there is no substitute for human blood, and that blood is needed for more than emergencies! It is used for patients with cancer, as well sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, and many other disorders. Many of these patients require transfusions on a regular, frequent basis.

You can donate if:

~You are at least 17 years of age
~You weigh 110 pounds
~You are in good health
~You do not have a disease that can be transmitted by blood

About apheresis:

~A single apheresis donation of platelets can provide as many platelets as 5 whole blood donations
~A platelet transfusion from a single donor greatly reduces the chances of an immune system reaction to the transfusion.
~Bone marrow transplant, cancer and leukemia patients whose immune systems are already compromised, benefit particularly from single donor platelet transfusions.
~Apheresis donors' donations go through additional typing called Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) typing to ensure that the match between donor and recipient is as close as possible. Donors are then matched with specific patients in hospitals.
~People who donate just platelets can donate every 3 days for a maximum of 24 times a year.

Many apheresis donors find the knowledge that they are helping a specific individual in need particularly rewarding.

Here's how to donate, either through apheresis or as a whole blood donor:

1) Determine if you meet the basic requirements
2) Call the Red Cross at 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543)
3) OR visit to search for a blood drive